Ugandan Private Sector and Civil Society Demand Consumer Protection Law
The Inclusive Green Economy Network-East Africa (IGEN-EA) has written to the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. Francis Mwebesa, calling on him to ensure that his ministry completes and tables the Consumer Protection and Management Bill before parliament for debate and enactment.
The network members wrote to the minister on June 5, 2023 following delays by the Ministry of Trade to complete the Consumer Protection Bill and table it before parliament for debate and enactment.
The network has made a number of proposals to address the challenges faced by consumers in Uganda, including:
Establish an independent multi-stakeholder committee to discuss Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and concessions before they are signed. This would help to address corruption and protect consumers from high power tariffs.
Amend Uganda's tax laws to provide for tax waivers on solar accessories such as solar water pumps, solar lanterns, etc. This would make solar energy more affordable for consumers.
Provide procedures through which the Bank of Uganda can, in consultation with consumers and financial institutions, cap bank lending rates. This would help to reduce the cost of doing business for clean energy companies, which would in turn lead to lower prices for consumers.
Task UNBS to set mandatory and uniform warranties for all off-grid solar equipment. This would protect consumers from buying sub-standard products.
Require the Minister of Environment to work with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to put in place guidelines to manage off-grid solar energy waste. This would help to protect the environment.
The network hopes that the government will consider its proposals and enact a consumer protection law as soon as possible.
The enactment of a consumer protection law would be a significant step forward for Uganda. It would help to protect consumers from unfair practices, make clean energy more affordable, and support the government's efforts to achieve its climate change mitigation and women empowerment goals. Read the full press statement here.
