The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development in the Ugandan Cabinet, Ruth Nankabirwa Sentamu, has announced that Yaka electricity meters will not be operational beyond November 2024.
This development has sparked excitement and concern among Ugandans, who are questioning the move while others are wondering about the next steps.
Yaka meters operate on software, and it is this software that enables users to put in tokens and receive electricity supply.
According to the minister, the government is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition of phasing out the current Standard Transfer Specification (STS) prepaid meter software. The plan is to adopt a new Standard Transfer Specification for prepaid electric metering, allowing consumers to switch electricity payments between utility providers.
As part of this transition, the government intends to introduce electricity tokens from various operators, replacing the current Yaka system provided by Umeme Uganda Limited.
Prepaid electricity users are expected to migrate to the new technology by October 2024.