REA reinstatement has taken center stage in Uganda’s Parliament, as lawmakers question the pace of rural electrification since the agency was dissolved in 2022. The debate reflects growing frustration among leaders who say electricity access in rural areas has slowed, leaving many communities still waiting for connection.
During a plenary session chaired by Speaker Anita Annet Among, Members of Parliament openly challenged the Ministry of Energy’s performance. They argued that the removal of the Rural Electrification Agency created a gap that the ministry has struggled to fill. As a result, concerns about service delivery have continued to build.
REA reinstatement concerns grow among MPs
Several lawmakers said rural electrification has lost momentum since the agency’s dissolution. They pointed out that REA had played a visible role in extending power to hard-to-reach communities. Because of that, its absence now raises doubts about whether current structures can deliver the same results.
Faith Nakut, the Napak District Woman Representative, strongly criticized the ministry’s claims about progress in Karamoja. She argued that officials had overstated achievements and failed to reflect the reality on the ground. According to her, many communities remain without electricity despite repeated engagements with authorities.
At the same time, Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya recalled how the electrification programme once inspired hope. People would ask when electricity would reach their homes, showing trust in the system. Now, however, he questioned whether the ministry can match what the agency previously delivered.
REA reinstatement and past performance
Speaker Among offered a balanced view while acknowledging past concerns. She noted that although REA faced management challenges, electricity access was more visible during its time. Therefore, the issue may not be whether problems existed, but whether service delivery has improved since then.
Her remarks captured the mood in Parliament. Lawmakers appear less concerned about past administrative issues and more focused on current results. In their view, access to electricity matters more than structural debates.
Funding gaps slow electrification efforts
The Natural Resources Committee, led by Herbert Edmond Ariko, presented a report outlining key challenges. The report highlighted unresolved obligations inherited from REA, including arrears and land acquisition costs. These issues continue to affect ongoing electrification projects.
According to Ariko, the government requested about Shs 300 billion to settle these obligations. However, only about half of that amount has been provided. Consequently, progress has remained uneven, especially in rural areas where projects depend heavily on consistent funding.
He explained that limited resources cannot deliver full results. Even so, he stressed that funding alone does not explain all delays. Efficiency and planning also play a role in how projects move forward.
Government rejects REA reinstatement proposal
Despite mounting pressure, the government has rejected calls for REA reinstatement. State Minister for Energy Sidronius Opolot Okaasai warned that reviving the agency would disrupt ongoing efforts. In his view, restructuring could slow progress instead of improving it.
He also challenged claims that REA had achieved wide coverage during its existence. Regions such as Karamoja, Gulu, and West Nile still lacked electricity at the time, he said. Therefore, he believes the focus should remain on funding current programmes rather than reversing policy decisions.
Okaasai cautioned that bringing back the agency could set the country back by several years. He insisted that continuity is essential if Uganda is to expand electricity access without further delays.
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Wider infrastructure concerns emerge
Beyond electricity, lawmakers also raised concerns about water access. The committee flagged funding gaps within the Ministry of Water and Environment, especially in pipeline extensions and borehole maintenance. These challenges affect daily life in many communities.
Ariko described the sector as politically sensitive because citizens interact directly with these services. Access to water and electricity shapes how people judge government performance. As a result, delays quickly translate into public dissatisfaction.
The ongoing REA reinstatement debate highlights a deeper divide between Parliament and the executive. While lawmakers push for structural changes, the government insists on maintaining the current system. Meanwhile, rural communities continue to wait, hoping for faster and more reliable access to essential services.
