MPs slam Bbumba over tariffs hike
Jan 21, 2004
MPS on the natural resources committee yesterday criticised energy minister Syda Bbumba for defying Parliament’s ruling on tariffs.<br>They accused her of reneging on her promise to ask power providers not to increase rates.
By Cyprian Musoke
MPS on the natural resources committee yesterday criticised energy minister Syda Bbumba for defying Parliament’s ruling on tariffs.
They accused her of reneging on her promise to ask power providers not to increase rates.
Bbumba, in a statement to the House last year, promised to stay the rates following a petition by Rubaga South MP Ken Lukyamuzi.
However, on January 1 the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company effected new power rates.
In a crisis meeting at Parliament yesterday, the MPs said the House had directed her to review the rates only after Lukyamuzi’s petition had been addressed.
The petition is yet to be brought back to the House from the committee, which is barely half way through it.
Lukyamuzi said the tariffs were exorbitant.
“I feel we are entitled to an official explanation why the minister deliberately refused to implement a resolution of the House to which she initially consented,†said Loyce Bwambale, committee vice-chairperson.
Bbumba, in a recent letter to deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, said tariff setting was the legal responsibility of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
“Tariff setting is the legal responsibility of the ERA and not of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development according to the Electricity Act. ERA is mandated to review the tariffs periodically to cater for market changes,†Bbumba said.
But committee boss Ndaula Kaweesi said it was Bbumba who sets the policy guidelines in the sector.
MPS on the natural resources committee yesterday criticised energy minister Syda Bbumba for defying Parliament’s ruling on tariffs.
They accused her of reneging on her promise to ask power providers not to increase rates.
Bbumba, in a statement to the House last year, promised to stay the rates following a petition by Rubaga South MP Ken Lukyamuzi.
However, on January 1 the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company effected new power rates.
In a crisis meeting at Parliament yesterday, the MPs said the House had directed her to review the rates only after Lukyamuzi’s petition had been addressed.
The petition is yet to be brought back to the House from the committee, which is barely half way through it.
Lukyamuzi said the tariffs were exorbitant.
“I feel we are entitled to an official explanation why the minister deliberately refused to implement a resolution of the House to which she initially consented,†said Loyce Bwambale, committee vice-chairperson.
Bbumba, in a recent letter to deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga, said tariff setting was the legal responsibility of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
“Tariff setting is the legal responsibility of the ERA and not of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development according to the Electricity Act. ERA is mandated to review the tariffs periodically to cater for market changes,†Bbumba said.
But committee boss Ndaula Kaweesi said it was Bbumba who sets the policy guidelines in the sector.