The lack of funds has forced Umeme to suspend the free Electricity Connections Policy (ECP). Umeme announced the development in a statement released on Wednesday

“Due to a realignment of priorities and financial resources by the government in part brought by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic, the ECP program has been put on hold until further notice,” reads a statement by Peter Kaujju, the communications head at Umeme.

The ECP was launched in  2018.Customers were required to pay only shs20,000 for inspection and government caters for the remaining connection fees in a move aimed at connecting 300,000 customers annually implemented by the Rural Electrification Agency.

“The Ministry of Energy , the Electricity Regulatory Authority and REA are fully aware of the current constraints and we are confident a solution will be found to sustain this program.”

Umeme said they will be informing their customers in case of any new developments about the program.