Who is fooling who in the electricity rates saga?

SIR—I am disappointed by the Government, particularly in the Minister of Energy, Mrs Syda Bumba for the high electricity rates. At one occasion she says it is the World Bank which increased the power tariffs; at another, she says it is the Electricity Regulatory Authority which fixed the power rates. Now, who did what? It is absurd to see that Minister Bumba accepted the new power rates after realising that only 5% of Ugandans can currently afford power at the old rates which are cheaper. Then Bumba goes to Parliament and tells us that “they” carried out a survey and realised that 15% of Ugandans can afford the new hiked power rates. Does this make sense in view of the fact that only 5% of Ugandans can afford and are indeed consuming power at the old cheaper rates. Bumba also says that power was raised to meet construction costs and for further investments. Does she for example know that the new power dam was built with taxpayers’ money? The other reason the minister gave for the new tariffs is that power rates have not been increased in yours, and in order to meet inflationary indices. Has she realised that in the midst of this economic trend, household incomes have remained very low with many Ugandans living from hand-to-mouth and 53% of Ugandans living below the poverty line. Yet many civil and public servants have been earning the same income for over 30 years or so? How can the minister say that “our” power rates are low in comparison to power rates in other countries before comparing our low standard of living with those countries. Not forgetting the disparities in our income levels, level of unemployment with those countries; Uganda’s per capita income in 1989 for example was at US$230 only well as that of USA was at US$12,650. At this rate, can an average Ugandan be put in position to pay high electricity tariffs like his counterpart in America? I think the World Bank has stuffed a lot of neocolonialist policies like the now notorious privatisation, retrenchment and many other structural adjustment policies. But this time round, we shall not just sit back and relax” when we are denied of our economic independence and source of living by aliens from another planet with no human ego. Wilson Michael Kakaire, Kampala SIR—The reduction of power tariffs after the intervention of the President is highly appreciated. There has been a persistent public outcry over the exorbitant electricity rates that were implemented without adequate explanation. It is disappointing for a few government functionaries to issue vague or contradictory statements on matters affecting the people like the divestiture programme, foreign policy, the security situation and the human rights record in the country. I therefore appeal to political leaders to keep their ears on the ground and respond to the grievances of the people irrespective of partisan interests. This will ease tensions among the people and rpomote accountability in Uganda. Andrew Kato Busuulwa, Kampala