Illegal electricity connections must be nipped in the bud

Electricity is the engine of modern economies. Uganda has made significant strides in expanding power generation, growing capacity from about 400 megawatts in 2000 to over 2,000 megawatts today (Electricity Regulatory Authority, 2025). This is no small achievement. With electricity comes the promise of jobs, better schools, modern farming, and new businesses. Yet, even with this progress, the average Ugandan consumes significantly less power compared to citizens in neighbouring countries like Kenya and Tanzania. We still have a long way to go.

But the bigger threat to Uganda’s energy future is not just limited access-it is theft. Illegal electricity connections have become a silent crisis, draining the country of an estimated Shs100 billion every year. These are not just numbers on a balance sheet. They represent stalled development, higher tariffs for honest consumers, and unnecessary risks to life. Illegal connections have been linked to many cases of electrocution in recent years. This problem cuts across society. Some households, frustrated by connection costs, tap into the grid illegally.

Rogue technicians, sometimes impersonating utility workers, facilitate theft. And weak enforcement of outdated laws-where the maximum penalty is a fine of Shs2 million-has done little to deter offenders (Uganda Radio Network, 2019). The result is a system where law-abiding citizens are punished with higher bills while the national economy bleeds revenue. Umeme’s Managing Director, Selestino Babungi, has called power theft a ‘national problem, an economic crime.’

He is right. Uganda cannot afford to lose this money if it hopes to industrialise, create jobs, and provide reliable power to every citizen.

The way forward is clear. First, the Electricity Act must be amended to reflect the seriousness of the crime. Kenya, for example, imposes fines of up to Shs1 million and prison terms of 10 years. Uganda should follow suit. Second, utilities should invest in smarter technology. Local scientists have already developed systems that can detect power theft in real time-tools that must be deployed at scale. Third, enforcement must be swift and visible. Specialised courts should handle electricity theft cases quickly, while police and utilities coordinate nationwide crackdowns.

Finally, we must tackle the root cause: lack of affordable access. With about 28 percent of Ugandans connected to the grid as of 2019 (Electricity Regulatory Authority, 2020), lowering upfront costs and expanding rural infrastructure will reduce the temptation to steal. Electricity is not just about light. It is about opportunity-opportunity for a child to study at night, for a farmer to process crops, for a factory to keep its machines running. Illegal connections steal that future from us all. Uganda has the tools, the laws, and the innovation to end this crisis. What is needed now is political will and community resolve. Power theft is not a victimless crime; it is economic sabotage. If we act decisively, we can protect this vital resource and ensure that electricity truly powers Uganda’s prosperity.

Uganda’s 1995 Constitution: The story behind the age limit amendment

It is widely believed that the presidential age limit in Uganda’s 1995 Constitution was inserted to prevent then-exiled former two-time president Milton Obote from returning to power.

Obote, who by then was exiled in Zambia, was 70 years old, and political commentators argue that Mr Museveni’s political manoeuvring aimed at constitutionally locking out the man he feared most, who had previously held the office of the president twice.

‘If the age limit was to prevent Milton Obote from vying for power, the same should be applied to President Museveni,’ the late former Democratic Party president, Paul Ssemogerere, said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Monitor in September 2017.

President Obote, who at independence was the prime minister, rose to the presidency after abrogating the 1966 Constitution, only to be overthrown by Idi Amin in 1971.

He made a comeback through the disputed 1980 general elections and ruled for five years, only to be removed again by a coup d’état in 1985 led by Gen Tito Okello. Okello, in turn, was toppled about a year later by President Museveni.

The threat of Obote making a third attempt at the presidency was real. While in Zambia, he repeatedly hinted at ambitions to reclaim the country’s top office. He also ran the then-powerful Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC) party he had founded, from exile, which reportedly gave Mr Museveni sleepless nights.

During the drafting of the 1995 Constitution, Ssemogerere believed that the late Noble Mayombo, one of Mr Museveni’s blue-eyed confidants in the Constituent Assembly (CA), pushed to have the age limit capped at 75, though many of his colleagues did not mind the move.

According to Ssemogerere, who was also a member of the CA, the two five-year presidential term limits included in the 1995 Constitution were ‘sufficient.’ Likewise, Mr Dan Wandera Ogalo, another CA delegate, shared similar reflections.

‘We (CA delegates) thought that one was really not able to execute the duties of such a heavy office, hence putting the age cap at 75. But underneath that, there were rumours that, you see, Obote might come back a second time,’ Counsel Ogalo recalls.

However, in the 2020/2021 election cycle, the last safeguard in the 1995 Constitution-the presidential age cap of 75-was controversially amended and removed amidst fierce clashes between Members of Parliament who were ‘opposed’ and those who were ‘in favour.’

The debate around the so-called ‘Togikwatako’ amendment began in 2017, with Mr Raphael Magyezi, now Local Government minister, being the public face of the campaign to amend and remove Article 102(b). Mr Magyezi was tasked with drafting the 2017 Amendment Bill, which was tabled in Parliament amid controversy.

Opposition MPs opposed the Bill, arguing it was calculated to benefit only one person: President Museveni. At 73 years old in 2017, Museveni would have been ineligible to contest the 2021 election under the existing age limit, making the amendment essential to his political ambitions.

The constitutional age cap at the time had set a maximum of 75 years. The only legal path for Mr Museveni to remain eligible was to remove this safeguard entirely.

Chaos in Parliament

In September 2017, Parliament descended into chaos for two consecutive days. Lawmakers were sharply divided, and the sessions turned violent. Some MPs engaged in fistfights, while others wielded microphone stands as weapons.

The Special Forces Command (SFC), a specialised arm of the UPDF that protects the President and sensitive government installations, intervened, storming the August House during one heated session. About 10 Opposition MPs, including Ms Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality) and Mr Francis Zaake (Mityana Municipality), were arrested and whisked away by plain-clothed security personnel to unknown locations. Some MPs were hospitalised following the scuffles.

Despite the tumult, Parliament passed the age limit amendment Bill on December 20, 2017, effectively providing Mr Museveni with an early Christmas gift.

The Opposition mounted legal challenges. By early 2018, five constitutional petitions were filed before the Constitutional Court. These included Uganda Law Society vs AG, Karuhanga Kafureeka vs AG, Male Mabirizi Kiwanuka vs AG, Prosper Busingye vs AG, and Abaime Jonathan vs AG. The petitioners were six Opposition MPs led by then Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Ms Winnie Kiiza.

Other opposition MPs involved included Ibrahim Ssemujju (Kiira Municipality), Mubaraka Munyagwa, Allan Ssewanyana, Gerald Karuhanga, and Jonathan Odur. The MPs sought to have the amendment annulled, citing unconstitutional procedures, violence, and intimidation during its passage.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, representing the six Opposition MPs, argued during the hearings that the amendment removed the only remaining safety net of the age limit, contravening the preamble of the 1995 Constitution. ‘The framers of the 1995 Constitution had in mind Uganda’s dark past, and that is why they included in their preamble ‘never again,” Mr Lukwago said.

‘The intention of this constitutional amendment was very clear: it was going to benefit one person by paving the way for President Museveni to stand again in the next election since he would have been ineligible to stand again as he would be above 75 years of age,’ Lukwago added.

The petitioners also argued that the amendment process was marred by violence, intimidation, human rights abuses, and general mayhem, including assaults on MPs by security personnel.

Regrets

Prof Frederick Ssempebwa shared similar views, emphasising that the term limit was more important than the age cap. He noted that Africans historically lived poorer and more fragile lives, making a strict age limit sensible.

‘People at 75 were susceptible to many ailments and might not be able to control governments,’ he said. Prof Ssempebwa, a former minister in Museveni’s Cabinet and member of the Justice Benjamin Odoki Commission, argued that life expectancy has improved.

‘At the time we were discussing, to be 75 or 80 years old, people would already be frail. Constitutions are changed because of new developments. To me, if you have term limits, the age limit doesn’t matter,’ he said.

‘If someone leaves power at around 70, and has a term limit of 10 years, at 80 he is off. There is no need to endure the indignities as in Zimbabwe under Mugabe, where leaders slept through Cabinet meetings, which was what we intended to avoid,’ he added.

Ssemogerere had argued that since Museveni used the 75-year age cap against Obote, he should have applied the same standard to himself and not pushed for the scrapping of the clause. If Museveni is re-elected in the 2026 presidential race, he could have ruled Uganda for 45 uninterrupted years.

At 81, a further five-year term (2026-2031) would make him one of Africa’s oldest and longest-serving presidents, alongside Cameroon’s Paul Biya (91), Namibia’s Nangolo Mbumba (82), Ivory Coast’s Alassane Ouattara (82), Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Nguema Mbasogo (82), Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa (82), and Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo (80).

In a 2016 NTV-Uganda interview, Museveni said he would not seek office after 75, arguing that younger leaders were more active. ‘I know some leaders who have been leading even beyond 75. But I think if you want very active leaders, it should be the ones below 75 years,’ Museveni said in the interview at that time.

Timeline of Age Limit Debates

* 1966: Milton Obote abrogates the 1962 Constitution and becomes president.

* 1971: Obote overthrown by Idi Amin in a military coup.

* 1980: Obote returns to power after disputed elections, ruling for five years.

* 1985: Obote ousted again by Gen Tito Okello; Museveni seizes power a year later.

* 1995: Uganda’s new constitution sets presidential age limit at 75 and a two-term limit.

* 2017: Parliament passes controversial amendment removing the 75-year age limit, amid Opposition protests and scuffles in the House.

* 2018: Constitutional petitions filed against the age limit removal; courts uphold the amendment.

* 2021-2026: President Museveni, now over 80, remains eligible to run, changing the political landscape for decades.

President Petitioned To Remove Justice Kulendi

A petition has been sent to President John Dramani Mahama calling for the removal of Supreme Court judge, Justice Yonny Kulendi, for alleged judicial misconduct.

The petition, presented by Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta on September 30, 2025 to the Office of the President, is accusing Justice Kulendi of improper interference in the trial of now Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Richard Jakpa, Director of Operations at the National Security Council.

Citi News reported that the petitioner argues that the alleged actions of Justice Kulendi contravene provisions of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Magistrates.

He further contends that such conduct undermines judicial independence and erodes public trust in the judiciary.

There is no official communication from the Office of the President regarding the petition, and any action taken by the office must be in strict compliance with Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution, which deals with the removal of justices of the Superior Courts.

CID Probe

Daniel Marfo Ofori-Atta has also petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service to investigate Justice Yonny Kulendi and Richard Jakpa for allegedly conspiring to interfere with the administration of justice in the ambulance trial.

According to him, Jakpa right from the beginning of the trial in January 2022, allegedly deployed the highly influential Justice Kulendi ‘to obstruct the course of justice in the case with the ultimate object of ensuring that the prosecution of Richard Jakpa was either abated by the then Attorney General, Godfred Yeboah Dame, or he (Jakpa) was acquitted.’

It indicates that the acts of Justice Kulendi and Richard Jakpa border on the commission of crimes relating to interference with legal proceedings.

He detailed court proceedings capturing Jakpa telling the court under cross-examination how he contacted Justice Kulendi, who is his cousin, to assist him in the ongoing trial.

For instance, the petition points out that on January 18, 2022, after Richard Jakpa had been arraigned in court, he solicited the help of Justice Kulendi, to procure the assistance of the then Attorney General ‘to facilitate the release of Richard Jakpa when he had not satisfied the conditions of the bail granted to him.’

‘Justice Kulendi actually went to the office of the former Attorney General, Godfred Dame, to request that his cousin be permitted to go home,’ the petition indicated.

It also pointed a proceeding where Richard Jakpa ‘confessed’ to obtaining the telephone number of Mr. Dame from Justice Kulendi, after which he confidently attempted to meet with Mr. Dame and inundated him with many WhatsApp messages.

‘The evidence shows that from the time Richard Jakpa first got in touch with Attorney General Godfred Dame via WhatsApp, he sent in all sixty-eight (68) WhatsApp messages to him, in reply to which the then Attorney General sent only two (2). Richard Jakpa confirmed this under cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mrs. Yvonne Atakora-Obuobisa,’ the petition noted.

Again, the petition alleges that Justice Kulendi ‘lured’ Mr. Dame into a meeting at his (Justice Kulendi’s) home to meet Jakpa, after Jakpa’s several attempts to get the former Attorney General to meet him in person failed.

‘Indeed, the record showed that apart from inside the courtroom and the house of Justice Yonny Kulendi, Mr. Godfred Dame has never met Mr. Richard Jakpa,’ the petition disclosed.

He urged the CID to commence investigations into the conduct of Justice Yonny Kulendi and his cousin, Richard Jakpa, to unravel all acts of criminality disclosed by their conduct, and take such prosecutorial action as is consistent with law.

Ho Municipal Assembly Unveils Devt Agenda

The Ho Municipal Assembly (HMA) has rolled out an ambitious package of projects and reforms aimed at enhancing education, infrastructure, revenue mobilisation and environmental sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to improving livelihoods and accountability in governance.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Stephen Adom, announced the measures during the 3rd Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 9th Assembly held in Ho, where he outlined new projects and policy interventions that will transform the municipality.

Education featured prominently on the agenda, the projects will expand access and improve learning conditions.

These include the construction of a three-unit classroom block for kindergarten pupils at Hodzo Alavanyo, a six-unit primary school block with ancillary facilities at Nyive, and a three-unit kindergarten block with offices at Bankoe RC School.

Other projects cover the renovation of a three-unit Junior High School block at Ziavi, and the construction of new facilities at Kpenoe, comprising a kindergarten block, a primary block and a JHS block. The Assembly is also procuring 2,000 mono desks and 1,800 dual desks for schools across the municipality.

‘These interventions will provide a conducive environment for our children to learn and excel,’ he stated, stressing the Assembly’s commitment to building a strong educational foundation for the future.

Mr. Adom also disclosed that the Assembly received GHS2,220,957.52 and GHS4,590,707.51 from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the first and second quarters of 2025 respectively. For the third quarter, a revenue projection of GHS1,076,533.14 was set, of which GHS973,546.81, representing 90 percent, had been collected as of August 31.

Beyond education, the MCE announced several flagship projects to enhance infrastructure and civic amenities. These include the commencement of work on the Kpenoe-Takla-Hodzo road, the construction of 500 steps at Kabakaba Hill to promote tourism and access, and the design of a modern 24-hour market at the Civic Centre.

Mr. Adom also confirmed the termination of the current AstroTurf contract due to non-performance by the contractor.

On internal management and accountability, the MCE stated that newly posted National Service personnel will be deployed to strengthen revenue mobilisation.

He cautioned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against Assembly staff who exhibit absenteeism or poor punctuality.

Minority Slams Sam George Over DStv Impasse

The minority members of the parliamentary committee on Communication and Information have rebutted the recent comments by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, accusing him of arrogance and inconsistency over the ongoing DStv impasse.

In a press statement signed by the Ranking Member, Matthew Nyindam, the minority members said they were not surprised by Mr. George’s remarks during a JoyNews interview, describing his posture as ‘arrogant, disrespectful, and pompous.’

According to the minority MPs, they have remained diligent in their work on the committee and had formally written to the chairman, a majority member, requesting a meeting to deliberate on the impasse with MultiChoice Ghana.

They stressed that it was the chairman’s duty to summon committee meetings, not ordinary members.

The minority further reminded the public of Mr. George’s earlier statements regarding the issue, in which he declared that he would not accept any form of package upgrades from DStv but would push for a price reduction of no less than 30 percent.

‘He once stated in a media encounter that the meeting with the Ghanaian and South African team would not end without an agreed price reduction. He was clear that an upgrade was not what we wanted,’ the statement noted, questioning why Sam George’s position now appeared to have shifted.

The minority therefore demanded to know why the minister and committee leadership had altered their original stance on securing a price reduction.

They also asked how much government had collected from the GHS10,000 levy imposed on DStv since its inception.

Addressing Sam George’s criticisms of the minority members, the statement dismissed his remarks, saying they would not seek an apology because ‘it is a trait too expensive for him to afford.’

The Minority MPs reaffirmed their commitment to their legislative responsibilities, and insisted they are ‘dedicated professionals who take their work seriously and remain available for scheduled meetings.’

UTAG To Announce Action On Govt Galamsey Fight

The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has announced plans to implement a series of actions aimed at compelling the government to intensify efforts in dealing with illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

UTAG, in a statement signed on July 30 by then National President, Prof. Mamudu Akudugu and National Secretary, Prof. Eliasu Mumuni following an emergency NEC meeting on Thursday, July 17, warned of potential industrial action if government fails to provide concrete steps to deal with the galamsey fight.

But speaking in an interview on JoyNews last Tuesday, immediate past President of UTAG, Prof. Akudugu, who expressed wider impact of illegal mining, said it was aware of the report by Peasant Farmers Association that over two million hectares of arable land have been affected by galamsey, impacting more than 500,000 farmers and farm households.

‘These are real, serious issues. We’ve also heard about the poisoning of our kontomire, cassava, and other crops. We are all deeply worried, and it is essential that we take action to ensure this menace is brought under control,’ he stated.

When asked whether UTAG might consider a strike action, he said, ‘Most definitely, we’ll take a decision that will be in the interest of the members of UTAG and also in the interest of the country. Today is Congress, we’ll go into conclave and the decision will be taken,’ he said.

The newly elected UTAG President, Prof. Vera Fiador, for her part, said while illegal mining may appear to offer employment opportunities, the overall impact is far more damaging, adding that the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources is negative in the long run.

She reiterated that the Association will soon unveil a set of measures to push for decisive action to hold the government accountable and drive national attention toward the urgent need to tackle galamsey.

‘At first glance, galamsey seems to provide jobs, and there’s often resistance when attempts are made to halt it. However, when you consider the financial burden of restoring degraded lands and polluted water sources, the net effect is negative in the long run,’ she stressed.

In a related development, President John Dramani Mahama, in a letter signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, has invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to the Jubilee House on Friday, October 3, to discuss issues on the galamsey menace.

Who Told You My Wife Is UnHappy- Bishop Obinim Fumes

Founder of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, has lashed out at critics spreading rumours about his marriage to gospel singer, Florence Obinim.

In a video shared on GHPage’s YouTube channel on September 30, 2025, the controversial pastor dismissed claims that his wife of 21 years is unhappy.

‘I am not afraid to divorce Florence, and she is equally not afraid to end our marriage, but we respect, love, and cherish each other. Who told you she is not happy?’ Obinim retorted.

He insisted his wife has never complained about their union and warned critics to stop dragging his family into public gossip. The bishop went further, issuing a spiritual curse on those peddling the rumours.

‘I swear on my kids and our 21 years of marriage, if you judge me or speak evil about our relationship, your own marriage will end, or your business will collapse,’ he declared.

Obinim urged Ghanaians to allow him and Florence to enjoy their marriage in peace, stressing that while his wife’s public life as a gospel singer is open for discussion, their private relationship should be respected.

2 ‘Soldiers’ Arrested For Mine Robbery

Two suspected military personnel who allegedly hatched a plan, together with some civilians to rob a mining company, have been arrested.

The alleged military men and two of the civilians were arrested by the Prestea Police, who are under the Western Central Police Command in the Western Region.

The suspects attempted to rob LongShine Mining Company Limited located at Obuohu, a suburb of Prestea in the region.

They were reported to have stormed the mining site on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at about 10:30pm, to allegedly carry out their nefarious activity.

They first subjected the security guards of the company to some beatings before asking the guards to lead them to the company’s gold room.

However, some of the security guards managed to call the police and informed them about the incident.

The police rushed to the scene and were able to arrest the suspects, including the two men in military uniform.

Information gathered indicated that the suspects were six, but two civilians managed to escape.

The remaining four were arrested and a rented brand new Toyota pickup with registration number GN6116-25, which the suspects used for their operation, was confiscated by the police.

Gideon Ofori, a Tailing Officer (T.O) at LongShine Mining, who confirmed the incident, said initially the suspects, including the men in military uniform, claimed they came from Accra.

He said some of the civilians who were wearing masks, also indicated that they were from the National Security.

According to him, after some of the suspects ordered the company’s security guards to lead them to the gold room, ‘We suspected the men were there for a different mission, and some of us managed to call the Prestea Police.’

Sources disclosed that the suspects were later transferred to the headquarters of the Western Central Police Command in Tarkwa for further investigations.

Cassie Fears For Safety Ahead Of Diddy’s Sentencing

Singer Cassie Ventura says she fears for her life as her ex-boyfriend, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, awaits sentencing this week.

In a victim impact statement submitted to court, Cassie revealed she moved her family out of New York because she believes Combs could seek revenge if he is released.

‘I am so scared that if he walks free, his first actions will be swift retribution towards me and others who spoke up,’ she wrote.

Cassie, the government’s key witness, testified during the trial that the hip-hop mogul abused her throughout their 11-year relationship, forcing her into drug-fuelled sex parties. She described the experience as leaving her with ‘tremendous emotional pain.’

Combs was convicted in July on two counts of transporting for prostitution involving Cassie and another ex-girlfriend, though he was cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.

Prosecutors are asking for an 11-year sentence, while Combs’ defence team is pushing for just 14 months, citing time already served and claiming he has changed.

Cassie, however, disputes that claim, insisting in her letter: ‘He has no interest in changing or becoming better. He will always be the same cruel, power-hungry, manipulative man that he is.’

The judge is expected to deliver the sentence later this week.

Inflation Drops To 9.4% In September

The year-on-year inflation for September 2025 has dropped significantly, falling from 11.5 percent in August to 9.4 percent.

According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the decline reflects a shift in price dynamics and signals that the country is firmly on the path to macroeconomic stability.

Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, explained that the downward trend shows that the pressures which had been driving inflation in recent months are easing.

Food inflation recorded a decline from 14.8 percent in August to 11.0 percent in September.

Non-food inflation also dropped slightly, from 8.7 percent in August to 8.2 percent in September.

Inflation for locally produced items fell from 12.2 percent in August to 10.1 percent in September, while imported items declined from 9.5 percent to 7.4 percent over the same period.

Regionally, the North East Region registered the highest inflation rate at 20.1 percent, more than double the national average, while the Bono East Region recorded the lowest rate at just 1.2 percent.