Govt should let meter owners become shareholders in NWSC and UEDCL

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OPINION

By Karim Nanyiri

The recent decision by the Rt Hon. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to halt plans for private partnerships in Uganda’s power distribution has sparked a vital conversation about the future of our essential services.

While the move aims to safeguard national interests, it also presents an opportunity to explore a more inclusive, Ugandan-led model for managing our electricity and water resources.

The concern about foreign investors prioritising profit repatriation over public welfare is legitimate, but the solution does not have to be shutting out collaboration entirely – it could be about empowering Ugandans.

Imagine a system where every household with an electricity or water meter automatically becomes a shareholder in these utilities. Suffice it to say that some households, especially landlords, have more than one meter. This approach would do more than just boost revenue as it would cultivate a higher sense of nationalism, patriotism, transparency, ownership and belonging among citizens.

When people have a stake in the system, they are more likely to protect it, thus reducing unnecessary theft and inefficiencies. It is a straightforward idea, one that does not require complex engineering or massive investments, but rather a shift in how we view public services. Only then might we truly appreciate the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs), not as tools for external profit, but as mechanisms for shared progress.

The core issue is not whether to involve private players, but how to ensure Ugandans benefit first. A shareholder model for meter owners could be transformative as it could run an extra mile in curbing vandalism, theft and loss, for when people own a part, they guard it better and jealously. It could also boost transparency when local stakeholders demand accountability. The engagement is likely to foster innovation as communities will be driving solutions best tailored to their local needs.

Critics may argue that this sounds more idealistic than realistic, but consider this: many successful cooperatives worldwide prove community-led models work. In Uganda, this could mean integrating local councils, businesses, and households into decision-making, ensuring services align with both national goals and grassroots realities.

Of course, challenges do exist, including, but not limited to, regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and public education. However, all these are surmountable with political will. The government could pilot this in a few communities, demonstrating impact before scaling up. It is time we shifted the narrative from “foreign investors vs. the state” to “Ugandans as owners.”

In the end, electricity and water are not just commodities but rather human rights that fuel our nation’s growth. Let us make them a source of pride, managed with transparency, equity, and a vision where every Ugandan has a stake. This does not need rocket science, but just the courage to rethink what is possible. What do you think?

The writer is a Ugandan teacher and PhD fellow