Tribunal Proceedings
Proceedings before the Tribunal
The Electricity Disputes Tribunal is a specialised tribunal established under the Electricity Act, Cap. 157, to hear and determine disputes relating to Uganda’s electricity sector. The Tribunal handles matters referred to it under the Electricity Act and related electricity-sector laws, regulations, licences and decisions.
The Tribunal is required to conduct its proceedings without unnecessary procedural formality, while observing the rules of natural justice. This means that parties are given a fair opportunity to present their case, respond to the other party’s case, and rely on relevant documents and evidence. The Tribunal also has powers similar to those of the High Court when handling matters within its jurisdiction.
Who may file a complaint?
A complaint may be filed by any person, company, licensee, consumer, potential consumer, public body or other affected party whose matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
This may include:
- electricity consumers;
- electricity service providers;
- generation, transmission, distribution, sale, import or export licensees;
- project developers or permit holders;
- persons affected by electricity infrastructure, supply, connection or disconnection issues;
- parties aggrieved by a decision, action or omission relating to the electricity sector.
What matters can be brought before the Tribunal?
The Tribunal hears and determines matters relating to Uganda’s electricity sector that are properly referred to it. These may include disputes concerning:
- electricity supply, billing, metering, connection or disconnection;
- loss, damage or compensation arising from electricity-sector activities;
- actions or decisions of electricity licensees;
- licence-related disputes;
- disputes between consumers and electricity service providers;
- matters referred to the Tribunal under the Electricity Act or other applicable electricity-sector laws and regulations.
The Tribunal does not handle criminal offences. It also does not hear disputes where a licensee and another party have agreed to resolve the matter through another dispute-resolution mechanism under their agreement.
When should a complaint be filed?
A complaint should be filed as soon as possible after the decision, action, omission or dispute arises.
Some matters under the Electricity Act may have specific timelines. A party should therefore act promptly and seek guidance from the Tribunal Registry where they are uncertain about the applicable timeframe.
Where the law provides a specific appeal or filing period, the complaint should be filed within that period.
How to file a complaint
A complaint is filed at the Tribunal Registry. To file a complaint, the complainant should:
Step 1: Obtain the complaint form: Get the prescribed complaint form from the Tribunal Registry or download it from this website.
Step 2: Complete the form: Provide accurate details of the complainant, respondent, facts of the dispute, documents relied on, and the orders or remedies being requested.
Step 3: Attach supporting documents: Attach all relevant documents, including letters, bills, notices, photographs, reports, agreements, account records, meter details, licence details or previous correspondence.
Step 4: File the complaint: Submit the completed complaint form and supporting documents to the Tribunal Registry.
Step 5: Serve the respondent: After filing, the complainant is required to serve the complaint on the respondent in accordance with the applicable procedure.
Step 6: Await further directions: The Registry will process the matter and communicate the next steps, including any requirement for response, scheduling, mediation, hearing or further documentation.
Most frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A party may file and present a complaint personally. However, a party may also choose to be represented by an advocate.
Where the complaint relates to an electricity service provider, it is advisable to first raise the matter with the service provider through its complaints-handling process. In appropriate cases, the matter may also be raised with ERA before approaching the Tribunal.
No. The Tribunal does not try criminal offences.
Where the matter falls within its jurisdiction and the evidence supports the claim, the Tribunal may issue appropriate orders, including orders relating to compensation.
Yes. A party aggrieved by a decision or order of the Tribunal may appeal to the High Court within the period provided under the Electricity Act.
Complaints are filed at the Tribunal Registry. The Registry receives documents, processes filings, keeps Tribunal records and communicates procedural directions to parties.