The challenges of illegal power connections

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OPINION

By Isaac Agaba

Illegal electricity connections in Uganda continue to present serious social, economic, and environmental challenges that affect many communities across the country.

The issue goes beyond the act of power theft itself; it reflects deeper concerns about access, affordability, and safety in the distribution of electricity.

Many households, particularly in informal settlements, resort to these unsafe practices because the cost of a legal connection remains too high, or the process is slow and full of requirements they cannot meet.

As a result, families depend on poorly installed lines that put their lives and property at constant risk.

There have been frequent cases of electrocution, injuries, and fires caused by these makeshift wires that pass through crowded homes and pathways.

The fear of such incidents is now a daily reality for many people who only seek a basic necessity, light in their homes.

The economic cost of illegal connections is also significant. Every unauthorised line represents a loss of revenue to the national power distributor, money that could otherwise be used to improve supply, expand the grid, and stabilise electricity tariffs. As a result, the paying customers end up bearing the burden through higher bills and reduced service reliability.

Overloaded transformers and damaged equipment are common outcomes of these illegal activities, leading to blackouts and increased maintenance costs.

This continuous cycle of loss weakens the entire energy sector and slows progress in efforts to ensure universal electricity access.

Environmental consequences, though less visible, are equally important. Each illegal connection reduces the efficiency of the power system and increases energy losses.

This additional strain forces the grid to work harder to meet demand, using resources that could otherwise be conserved for sustainable energy generation, thus leading to unnecessary pressure on Uganda’s energy infrastructure and a setback in achieving environmental goals that promote responsible energy use.

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) deserves recognition for its Wetereze campaign, which gives households with tampered meters or illegal connections a chance to regularise without punishment.

This initiative is timely and relevant because it acknowledges that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. By providing an opportunity for people to join the legal system without fear, the campaign builds trust and cooperation between communities and UEDCL.

It shows that compassion, education, and fairness can succeed where punishment has failed.

Moving forward, the solution lies in making electricity affordable and accessible to all Ugandans.

Connection fees should be flexible, paperwork simplified, and local leaders involved in verification to ensure inclusiveness.

Continued awareness through radio programs, schools, and community meetings can further remind people of the dangers of illegal wiring and the long-term benefits of legal connections.

Through understanding, dialogue, and consistent effort, Uganda can gradually eliminate illegal electricity connections and create a safer, fairer, and more reliable power system for everyone

The writer is a student of Master of Business Administration - Makerere University Business School