In a landmark move aimed at improving public service delivery, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has introduced a new Public Amenities Tariff category as part of the recently announced electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2025. This development promises significant benefits for Uganda’s health sector, particularly referral hospitals, and underscores ERA’s commitment to the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda.
Effective January 2025, referral hospitals and other public amenities will enjoy more affordable electricity tariffs under this new category. The approved tariff of Ush 360 per unit represents a 2.7% reduction from the previous quarter’s rates. This change is expected to substantially lower operational costs for public hospitals, enabling them to allocate more resources toward patient care, equipment acquisition, and infrastructure development.
The affordability of electricity for referral hospitals comes at a crucial time when access to reliable power is essential for life-saving medical procedures and modern healthcare technologies. The new tariff structure will reduce dependency on costly and environmentally unfriendly backup generators, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery in critical areas such as operating theatres, intensive care units, and diagnostic imaging departments. affordability of electricity also leads to improved patient Outcomes: Reliable electricity minimizes delays in treatment caused by power outages, especially in emergency care settings.
ERA’s intervention also supports Uganda’s broader goals of achieving universal health coverage. By easing the financial burden on healthcare institutions, the Public Amenities Tariff category will enhance the capacity of referral hospitals to provide quality healthcare services, benefiting millions of Ugandans. This development aligns with Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation objectives, as improved health outcomes directly contribute to a more productive workforce.
Beyond healthcare, the tariff’s focus on street lighting underlines ERA’s dedication to public safety and community well-being. Affordable street lighting reduces crime rates and fosters a safer environment for economic activities in urban and peri-urban areas. This holistic approach ensures that public amenities remain functional and accessible, driving social and economic progress.
Eligible public institutions are encouraged to leverage this tariff to enhance service delivery and ensure better health outcomes for the people of Uganda. ERA’s forward-thinking approach demonstrates how targeted policy interventions can positively impact critical sectors, creating ripple effects that improve the quality of life for all.
By J. Julius Wandera
Director Corporate & Consumer Affairs