The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has approved the electricity end-user tariffs to be charged by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) for the First Quarter (Q1) of 2026.

The Authority has maintained the tariffs at the same levels applied during the Fourth Quarter of 2025 across all consumer categories. This decision reflects prevailing macroeconomic conditions and provides stability and predictability for electricity consumers. The approved rates constitute the 2026 Base Electricity Tariffs and will serve as the reference point for subsequent quarterly tariff reviews throughout the year.

Approved Tariffs for Q1 2026

The approved electricity tariffs for the period January to March 2026 are as follows:

• Domestic Consumers: UGX 756.2 per kWh
• Commercial Consumers: UGX 546.4 per kWh
• Medium Industrial Consumers (Manufacturing): UGX 355.1 per kWh
• Large Industrial Consumers (Manufacturing): UGX 300.4 per kWh
• Extra-Large Industrial Consumers (Manufacturing): UGX 203.6 per kWh
• Extra-Large Service Consumers: UGX 203.6 per kWh
• Public Amenities (Hospitals and Street Lighting): UGX 360.0 per kWh

Consumer Support Measures and Clean Energy Incentives

To ensure affordability for low-income households and promote environmental sustainability ERA has retained targeted support measures aimed at promoting affordability and encouraging the use of clean energy.

• Lifeline Tariff: Eligible domestic consumers will continue to benefit from the first 15 units of electricity charged at a subsidized rate of UGX 250 per kWh.
• Cooking Tariff: In addition, to encourage the transition from biomass to clean energy, the declining block tariff remains in effect. Domestic

consumers will pay a reduced rate of UGX 412.0 per kWh for a 70-unit bundle (applicable between the 81st and 150th unit consumed).

Basis of Tariff Determination

The 2026 Base Tariffs were determined following a comprehensive review of macroeconomic conditions and electricity sector performance indicators.

Key factors considered included;

• The exchange rate of the Uganda Shilling against the United States Dollar, averaged at UGX 3,624.91;
• The international fuel prices are at 46;
• The Core Consumer Price Index (inflation), recorded at 23;
• The prevailing electricity generation mix and its impact on overall supply costs.

Implementation and Compliance

The approved tariffs apply to all electricity consumed and billed by UEDCL between January 1 and March 31, 2026. This applies to both post-paid meter readings and pre-paid electricity purchases (Yaka) made within this period.

ERA remains committed to a transparent, efficient, and predictable tariff-setting process that balances consumer affordability with the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s Electricity Supply Industry.