Police probes former UMEME boss
ENERGY minister Hilary Onek has asked the Police to restrict former managing director of Umeme, Paul Mare, from leaving the country. The minister further expressed concern about Mare’s abrupt resignation.
By Ibrahim Kasita
ENERGY minister Hilary Onek has asked the Police to restrict former managing director of Umeme, Paul Mare, from leaving the country.
In a letter seen by The New Vision, Onek asked the Criminal Investigations Department to first investigate him in relation to the high power tariffs.
“I am of a strong view that he is restrained from leaving the country before a thorough investigation is done on his activities at Umeme and the energy sector,†Onek wrote on June 18, copied to the President, the ministers of security and internal affairs.
“The two South African-owned companies (Umeme and Eskom) have been claiming heavy losses and subjecting Government, under unfair contracts, to pay them in addition to their revenue, enormous amounts of money as subsidy,†the letter read.
“When I joined the ministry in February this year, I began asking questions and seeking justification for the current high tariffs of electricity. I have not been satisfied with their explanations.â€
The minister further expressed concern about Mare’s abrupt resignation. “To my surprise, on May 20, Paul Mare, the architect of the current system, suddenly resigns. He is likely to leave the country soon,†he said in his letter to the Police.
“I suggest that you use all your expertise to investigate and establish the causes of his sudden unceremonious exit from an institution he created.â€
However, his lawyers, Kampala Associated Advocates, say Mare is not going anywhere since he is still working for Umeme in an advisory capacity.
“There is no need to panic. He is not hiding anything and he is not going to be a fugitive of
justice,†said Elly Karuhanga. “He is prepared to work with the Government in every possible way.â€
On Thursday, the Police anti-fraud squad raided Mare’s home, as well as offices of electricity companies and the energy ministry, to investigate suspected inflation of power tariffs.
“The Police came and copied everything from his computer. They also took his personal file and photographed his passport. He was very cooperative and will continue to be.â€
The Government is subsiding Umeme at a tune of sh92b a year. The injection is meant to cover the losses and keep the prices low.
Despite this, Uganda still has the highest electricity tariffs in East Africa.
Asked for a reaction, Mare yesterday said: “I am not aware of any restrictions on my travel. In any case, I will always be here when required.â€
Officials of the Ministry of Energy were yesterday locked in a meeting with the development partners and the World Bank, who have been supporting the sector, to explain the allegations.
Besides having the highest powers tariffs in East Africa, Uganda also has the highest percentage of power losses.
A total of 34% of electricity gets lost due to theft and technical faults, according to Umeme officials, compared to 20% in Tanzania and Kenya.
Of the 34% losses in Uganda, 18% are as a result of theft while 16% are due to technical reasons.
ENERGY minister Hilary Onek has asked the Police to restrict former managing director of Umeme, Paul Mare, from leaving the country.
In a letter seen by The New Vision, Onek asked the Criminal Investigations Department to first investigate him in relation to the high power tariffs.
“I am of a strong view that he is restrained from leaving the country before a thorough investigation is done on his activities at Umeme and the energy sector,†Onek wrote on June 18, copied to the President, the ministers of security and internal affairs.
“The two South African-owned companies (Umeme and Eskom) have been claiming heavy losses and subjecting Government, under unfair contracts, to pay them in addition to their revenue, enormous amounts of money as subsidy,†the letter read.
“When I joined the ministry in February this year, I began asking questions and seeking justification for the current high tariffs of electricity. I have not been satisfied with their explanations.â€
The minister further expressed concern about Mare’s abrupt resignation. “To my surprise, on May 20, Paul Mare, the architect of the current system, suddenly resigns. He is likely to leave the country soon,†he said in his letter to the Police.
“I suggest that you use all your expertise to investigate and establish the causes of his sudden unceremonious exit from an institution he created.â€
However, his lawyers, Kampala Associated Advocates, say Mare is not going anywhere since he is still working for Umeme in an advisory capacity.
“There is no need to panic. He is not hiding anything and he is not going to be a fugitive of
justice,†said Elly Karuhanga. “He is prepared to work with the Government in every possible way.â€
On Thursday, the Police anti-fraud squad raided Mare’s home, as well as offices of electricity companies and the energy ministry, to investigate suspected inflation of power tariffs.
“The Police came and copied everything from his computer. They also took his personal file and photographed his passport. He was very cooperative and will continue to be.â€
The Government is subsiding Umeme at a tune of sh92b a year. The injection is meant to cover the losses and keep the prices low.
Despite this, Uganda still has the highest electricity tariffs in East Africa.
Asked for a reaction, Mare yesterday said: “I am not aware of any restrictions on my travel. In any case, I will always be here when required.â€
Officials of the Ministry of Energy were yesterday locked in a meeting with the development partners and the World Bank, who have been supporting the sector, to explain the allegations.
Besides having the highest powers tariffs in East Africa, Uganda also has the highest percentage of power losses.
A total of 34% of electricity gets lost due to theft and technical faults, according to Umeme officials, compared to 20% in Tanzania and Kenya.
Of the 34% losses in Uganda, 18% are as a result of theft while 16% are due to technical reasons.