On 7th March 2022, the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court (the Electricity Court) convicted Kiwanuka John for carrying out electrical installations without an Installation Permit issued by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

Kiwanuka John, aged 46 and a resident of Bbuto-Bweyogerere in Wakiso District was on 16th November 2018, found carrying out electrical installations at Lugogo without a valid permit contrary to Section 88 (1) and (2) of the Electricity Act of 1999.

Kiwanuka was convicted of the crime and fined Uganda Shillings Two Hundred Thousand (UGX 200,000).

Magistrate Owomugisha Siena while convicting Kiwanuka noted that carrying out electrical installations without a permit issued by the Regulator is a serious crime that pauses a danger to lives and property. The Magistrate urged all the uncertified Electricians (Kamyufus) to embrace channels of acquiring installation permits to do work legally and professionally.

Ms. Kyohairwe Charlotte, ERA’s Prosecutor, informed Court that cases of fire out break and death due to electricity were on the increase, mainly caused by the uncertified Electricians who carry out electrical installations without a valid permit issued by the Authority. 

Kyohairwe added that the conviction is intended to send a warning to the public and those involved in carrying out installations without a valid permit from the Authority to completely stop such acts.