Why My YAKA Units Are Being Deducted? UMEME Explains

On 13th April, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) directed UMEME Uganda’s power distributors to stop what it calls ‘unauthorized YAKA unit deductions’ from customers. This comes days after a series of complaints from the customers on how the company(UMEME) is unexpectedly deducting YAKA(prepaid) amounts.

UMEME Limited has been immediately directed to stop this action as ERA conducts investigations into the matter. We appreciate the patience of affected electricity users as we investigate the matter
Julius Wandera – Director Communication, ERA
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So what is the exact reason behind these “abnormal” YAKA units deductions?

Even after ERA writing to UMEME, several esteemed customers continue to complain about the Yaka deductions from the power distributing company.

.@UmemeLtd, you received a directive from your regulator on this issue of taking units from customers yesterday. So why am I getting these texts from you again?

Please see the date & time, & confirm if this was in error.@ERA_Uganda please address this thuggery.

Cc.@DrKitutu pic.twitter.com/19lodYfrF1
— John B. Babirukamu (@babirukamu) April 14, 2021

Through its(UMEME) spokesperson, Peter Kawujju has reached out to customers about the recovery of electricity arrears for the benefits enjoyed by some customers in December 2020 as well as those who were charged double standard service fees. While appearing in an interview on NBS Television he explained.

In December, some of our customers received extra Yaka units. We (UMEME) decided to recover those arrears in March and April. – UMEME Head of Communications Peter Kaujju explains “abnormal” YAKA deductions.
Peter Kawujju, Spokesperson, UMEME Limited
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