Ibrahim Kasita
8 July 2009
Kampala — THE Police will continue investigating power companies, including Umeme, over inflated power tariffs although the international audit firm, Deloitte and Touche, had taken over the investigations.
"It is unlikely that we shall pull out of the investigations," the spokesperson, Judith Nabakooba, said yesterday. "We shall work hand-in-hand with professional consultants since we don't have expertise," Nabakooba said over the phone.
Asked whether some suspects had recorded statements, Nabakooba said: "This is just an inquiry. When it is completed, we shall act based on the recommendations."
The energy minister wants a forensic audit of Umeme completed in three months. Also to be investigated is the utilisation of $11m (about sh22b) the Government gave to Umeme to invest in the power network.
The Government is subsiding Umeme to the tune of sh92b a year to cover losses and keep power prices low. Despite this, Uganda has the highest electricity tariffs in East Africa.
It also has the highest percentage of power losses, 34%, compared to 20% in Tanzania and Kenya. Former Umeme boss Paul Mare has been warned by the minister against leaving the country.
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