Category: News

For many artists, a first concert is a dream come true. For Martha Mukisa, it became a moment that almost crushed her spirit.

Two years ago, the Black Magic Entertainment singer boldly announced her maiden concert, Sisaaga, at Freedom City, a move that raised more eyebrows than excitement. Critics were quick to question her timing and readiness, arguing that her catalogue was too thin to carry a full show.

Among the loudest doubters was Kapa Cat, who insisted that Martha’s biggest hit, Ssango with Eddy Kenzo, wasn’t enough to anchor a major concert.

What followed was a reality many young artists fear but rarely talk about openly. A low turnout, heavy expectations, and the emotional weight of it all. Behind the stage lights and brave face, the experience hit hard.

“It almost took my life,” she later admitted in a recent radio interview.

The disappointment lingered long after the music stopped, nearly pushing her into depression. But somewhere in that difficult moment, something shifted.

Instead of letting the setback define her, Martha chose to see it as a turning point.

Looking back, she now describes the concert as one of the most important lessons of her career, not because it was successful, but because it wasn’t. The experience exposed her to the realities of the business: the pressure, the planning, the unpredictability, and most importantly, the need to grow.

Ironically, the very event that seemed like a failure opened doors. Through sponsorships and industry connections, she found herself meeting key players who would later contribute to building her brand.

“It made a big deal for us,” she reflected. “There was brand awareness, connections, and a lot of learning.”

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Uganda’s push for inclusive development has received a major boost with the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) maintaining the lifeline tariff at UGX 250 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), a move aimed at protecting the country’s most vulnerable electricity consumers.

The lifeline tariff—also known as the social tariff—applies to the first 15 units (kWh) consumed monthly by qualifying domestic users. It remains a key pillar in government’s broader strategy to eliminate energy poverty and ensure that the gains from increased power generation, including the integration of the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, reach households at the grassroots.

Bridging the Electricity Access Gap

Supported by the World Bank-funded Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP), the programme is steadily transforming lives across Uganda.

For years, many households were locked out of electricity due to high connection fees and unaffordable tariffs. Today, with free connections for eligible users and the subsidised UGX 250 rate, that barrier is steadily being dismantled.

“We have families who used to spend more on kerosene and candles in a week than they now spend on electricity for a whole month,” says Betty Nabaasa, a community leader in Kyegegwa District.

“Affordable power means children can study safely at night without inhaling toxic fumes, and women feel more secure in well-lit homes,” she adds.

Confronting Energy Poverty

Despite steady grid expansion, affordability remains the biggest challenge to last-mile connectivity. As of January 2026, ERA’s tariff structure is deliberately designed to cushion low-income households during Uganda’s transition to a modern, industrial economy.

With the standard domestic tariff for consumption beyond the lifeline block standing at UGX 756.2 per unit, the UGX 250 rate represents a significant 69% subsidy—making basic electricity use attainable for even the poorest households.

This aligns with Uganda’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which calls for universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Lighting Up Livelihoods

The impact of the lifeline tariff extends beyond homes into local economies, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.

Affordable electricity is already transforming livelihoods:

• Education: Students can now study beyond daylight hours, improving academic performance.
• Health: Reduced reliance on kerosene lamps is lowering indoor air pollution and respiratory illnesses.
• Small Businesses: Low-cost electricity is enabling micro-enterprises to operate more efficiently.

“For example, a tailor can use the first 15 units to run lighting and basic appliances, making their workspace more productive and attractive to customers,” Nabaasa explains.

Advancing Energy Equity

By balancing affordability with sector sustainability, the government is laying the foundation for a more equitable energy landscape.

The lifeline tariff is not merely a subsidy—it is a strategic investment in human capital and socio-economic transformation.

Uganda cannot achieve middle-income status while leaving vulnerable communities in the dark. Ensuring equitable access to electricity is central to that ambition.

A Lifeline for the Future

As Uganda progresses through 2026, the lifeline tariff stands out as a practical demonstration of pro-people policy in action.

It is more than just a pricing mechanism—it is a tool for empowerment, a pathway out of poverty, and a clear signal that access to electricity is not a privilege, but a right for all Ugandans.

The author serves at the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

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Joshua Baraka stepped onto one of the UK’s biggest music stages and held his own.

The Ugandan singer joined Jamaican star Shenseea at the MOBO Awards 2026 in Manchester, delivering a performance that placed him in the international spotlight.

The event, held on March 26, saw Baraka share the stage with one of dancehall’s biggest names.

The two performed in front of a packed audience, with their collaboration “Morocco Remix” believed to be part of the set.

Shenseea brought her signature energy, while Baraka matched the moment with confidence on a stage that has hosted some of the biggest names in music.

The appearance highlights the growing presence of Ugandan artistes on major international platforms.

When Azawi speaks, people listen. This time, she didn’t just sing… she stirred the pot.

In a candid TV interview with Galaxy TV’s Rewind Team, the Swangz Avenue star took aim at the recent releases of King Saha, bluntly labeling tracks like “TikTok” and “P.2” as, well… not her kind of songs she would listen to. Not exactly the kind of review you frame on your studio wall.

“I don’t like the songs he is releasing currently—songs like ‘P.2’ and ‘TikTok.’ I don’t like such crap,” she said.

But before fans could sharpen their pitchforks, Azawi added a twist… this wasn’t a full-on diss track. In fact, it sounded more like tough love wrapped in nostalgia.

Azawi made it clear: she hasn’t always been a critic. Once upon a time, she was very much a fan.

She fondly pointed to songs like “My Way” and “Mpa Love ft Weasel,” tracks that carried King Saha’s signature smoothness and emotional depth. Those were the days when his music felt like a late-night whisper rather than a loud club experiment.

“Those were very nice songs. I liked his music at the time,” she added.

Her message? The vibe has changed and not everyone is dancing along.

Azawi insists her comments come from a place of artistic honesty, not disrespect.

And in an industry where many critiques are buried under polite smiles and vague compliments, her bluntness is… refreshing? Risky? Both?

As expected, the internet did what it does best, picked sides.
• Team Azawi says she’s voicing what many fans already feel: that King Saha’s newer sound lacks the magic of his earlier work.
• Team Saha argues that artists evolve, and experimentation shouldn’t be mistaken for decline.

Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.

Once upon a time, in a beautiful and naturally endowed Uganda, there was a big dream: to harness the power of the mighty River Nile and the heat of the sun to light up every home, hospital, and factory.

But building this “World of Light” is a long and expensive journey. It is not just about generating power; it’s about moving it across mountains and valleys until it reaches the very last house on the hill—what we call the “Last Mile.”

To make this journey successful, a “Master Architect” was established: the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). Its role is to ensure that investors feel safe enough to build the system, while also ensuring that you, the citizen, are protected every step of the way.

The Three Steps of the Journey

ERA oversees three groups of “builders” who work together in a massive relay race to deliver power to you:

• The Generators (The Source): These are the experts who build massive dams like Karuma and solar farms. They create the electricity.
• The Transmitters (The Superhighway): Power from dams is too strong for direct household use. It travels on giant towers across the country—this is the “superhighway” of electricity.
• The Deliverers (The Local Roads & The Last Mile): Finally, power is stepped down into smaller wires on wooden poles. The final connection from the pole to your house meter is the Last Mile Connection.

Without ERA acting as the referee, these three groups might not work together efficiently, and the light might never reach your front door.

The Architect’s Toolbox: Why It Matters to YOU

To keep this journey running smoothly, ERA uses several key tools. Here is how they work—and the “So What?”—the real impact on your daily life:

1. The Golden License (Vetting)
ERA verifies the credibility and financial capacity of every company before allowing them to operate on the power grid.
The So What? This is your safety net. It keeps out bogus companies and ensures only qualified experts handle electricity infrastructure, preventing dangerous or poorly built lines.

2. The Balance Scale (Tariff Setting)
Companies want higher profits; consumers want lower costs. ERA balances these interests to set a fair price.
The So What? This is your price shield. It ensures your monthly bill remains fair while allowing companies to maintain infrastructure.

3. The Quality Ruler (Performance Standards)
ERA measures how often power outages occur and how quickly faults are fixed.
The So What? This is your quality guarantee. It ensures reliable electricity and protects your appliances from damage due to unstable voltage.

4. The Budget Guard (Investment Approvals)
Companies must seek ERA’s approval before making major investments.
The So What? This is your cost saver. It prevents unnecessary spending that could otherwise lead to higher electricity bills.

5. The Clear Glass (Uniform Accounting)
ERA requires transparency in financial reporting from all electricity companies.
The So What? This is your transparency guard. It prevents companies from hiding profits or inflating costs to justify price increases.

6. The People’s Whistle (Consumer Affairs)
Consumers can report unfair treatment, billing errors, or delays in connection.
The So What? This is your voice. It ensures even the smallest consumer can be heard and protected.

7. The Crystal Ball (Research, Forecasting & Advisory)
ERA studies future electricity demand and advises the government on planning.
The So What? This is your future security. It prevents power shortages and ensures Uganda keeps up with growing demand.

8. The Power Border Post (Imports & Exports Regulation)
ERA regulates electricity trade with neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
The So What? This is your national income booster. Surplus power earns revenue, while shortages are covered through imports.

9. The Efficiency Engine (Promotion of Competition)
ERA encourages efficiency and competition within the energy sector.
The So What? This is your value for money. Efficiency reduces waste and helps keep tariffs lower over time.

10. The Nature Shield (Environmental Oversight)
ERA works with environmental bodies like NEMA to ensure sustainable energy development.
The So What? This is your health and heritage guard. It protects natural resources for future generations.

11. The Peacemaker (Land & Right-of-Way Disputes)
ERA helps resolve disputes when power infrastructure passes through private land.
The So What? This is your justice tool. It ensures fair compensation and prevents project delays due to conflicts.

The Result: A Bright and Sustainable Future

Because ERA acts as both the architect and the navigator, a win-win environment is created. Investors feel secure because the rules are clear. The government makes informed decisions based on expert advice.

Most importantly, the citizen is protected—because every wire, every shilling, and every tree is accounted for.

The journey from the Nile to your light switch is long. But with ERA in charge, the path is stable, the price is fair, and the future of Uganda remains bright.

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