Are you tired of those power cuts that come when you least expect them? Maybe you’re cooking supper and boom! Darkness everywhere! Or your phone battery is running low and suddenly, no power to charge it. These days, buying electricity has become much easier than before. No need to queue at UEDCL offices anymore! You can now buy Light tokens (formerly called Yaka) straight from your mobile phone using Mobile Money.
As many Ugandans already know, on 1st April 2025, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) took over from Umeme Ltd after their 20-year contract ended. They changed the name from “Yaka” to “Light” but the good news is that everything else has remained the same. You still buy and load tokens the same way!
This guide will show you exactly how to buy Light tokens using MTN MoMo and Airtel Money in simple steps. Whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling upcountry, you can easily top up your electricity meter in just minutes!
What Is Light (Formerly Yaka)?
Light is Uganda’s prepaid electricity system that replaced the old Yaka system when UEDCL took over from Umeme. With Light, you pay for your electricity before using it, just like airtime for your phone. You buy tokens with a unique number that you enter into your meter to load units. The beauty of this system is that you control how much power you use. You can see how many units are remaining on your meter display. No surprise bills at month-end like it used to be with the old post-paid system before the introduction of Yaka (now Light). The system gives you control over your spending on electricity, allowing you to buy according to your budget.
Requirements for Buying Light via Mobile Money
Before you start buying Light tokens through Mobile Money, make sure you have the following:
- An active UEDCL account with a working Light meter installed at your house
- A properly registered Mobile Money account (either MTN or Airtel)
- Enough money in your Mobile Money wallet to cover both the electricity units and transaction fees
- Your meter number (you can find this number on your Light meter or on your previous token receipt)
How to buy UEDCL Light (Yaka) using Airtel Money – Step-by-Step Guide
Airtel Money offers a quick and easy way to purchase Light tokens. The process takes less than 2 minutes if you have everything ready. Here’s how to do it:
- Dial *185# on your phone
- Select Pay Bill (option 4)
- Select UEDCL Light Pay (option 1)
- Select Buy Light Token (option 2)
- Enter your Light Meter number
- Enter Amount to Pay
- Enter your Airtel Money PIN
- Confirm and wait for a confirmation SMS along with your Light token
- Enter the received Light token onto your Light meter and get powered.
After completing these steps, your Light token will be sent to your phone via SMS. Make sure to enter all 20 digits correctly into your meter without missing any number.
How to buy UEDCL Light (Yaka) using MTN MoMo – Step-by-Step Guide
MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) is another popular way to buy Light tokens. The process is straightforward and works in a similar way to Airtel. Follow these steps:
- Dial *165# on your MTN line
- Select Payments (option 4)
- Select Utilities (option 1)
- Select UEDCL Light (option 1)
- Select Light (Option 2)
- Enter your Light Meter number
- Enter amount to pay
- Enter your MTN MoMo PIN
- Confirm and wait for confirmation SMS along with your Light token
- Enter the received Light token onto your Light metre and get powered
Once you complete these steps, your token will be sent via SMS. If you don’t receive the token immediately, be patient as sometimes the network may delay a bit.
UEDCL tariffs for domestic consumers
Understanding how much you pay for electricity can help you plan your budget better. UEDCL uses a tiered system where the cost per unit changes depending on how much electricity you use each month. This system encourages energy saving because the first few units are cheaper.
For domestic consumers (regular homes), the first 15 units per month cost only UGX 250/- per kWh. This is the “lifeline tariff” meant to help low-income households. Once you exceed 15 units, the price jumps to UGX 775.7/- per kWh for units between 16-80 kWh. For units between 81-150 kWh, the price drops to UGX 412/- per kWh, which is a relief for middle-consumption households. However, all units above 150 kWh return to the higher rate of UGX 775.7/- per kWh.
Alternative ways to buy Light Tokens
While Mobile Money is the most common method of buying Light tokens, there are several other convenient options available, depending on what works best for you.
- Fintech apps have become very popular in Uganda. Services like Chap Chap, Chipper Cash, and Eversend all allow you to purchase Light tokens directly from your smartphone with just a few taps. These apps often have user-friendly interfaces that make the process even simpler than USSD codes.
- Telecom companies now offer dedicated apps for service management. You can download the MyMTN or MyAirtel app and buy Light tokens through a more visual interface, which many people find easier to use than USSD menus.
- Most Ugandan banks have also integrated Light token purchases into their mobile banking apps and internet banking platforms. If you have an account with banks like Stanbic, Centenary, or Equity, check their apps for the utility payment section.
- For those who prefer face-to-face transactions, Mobile Money agents across the country can help you purchase Light tokens. Simply provide your meter number and the amount you wish to buy.
- Payment service providers like PayWay, EzzyMoney, and EasyPay have POS machines in many shops, supermarkets and fuel stations where you can buy Light tokens.
- Lastly, you can still visit UEDCL service centers or authorized vendors if you prefer the traditional way or need assistance with your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UEDCL Light (formerly Umeme Yaka)
Many people ask similar questions about buying and using Light tokens. Here are answers to the most common questions to help clear any doubts you might have:
Q: Can I buy Light tokens for someone else?
A: Yes! You can buy tokens for anyone as long as you have their correct meter number. This is helpful for helping relatives in the village or tenants in your rental properties.
Q: Are there transaction fees when buying Light tokens?
A: Yes, Mobile Money charges UGX 500 for transactions below UGX 30,000 and UGX 1,000 for transactions above that amount.
Q: What’s the minimum amount I can buy?
A: You can buy Light tokens for as little as UGX 1,000.
Q: What should I do if I enter the wrong meter number?
A: Unfortunately, tokens bought for one meter cannot work on another. Contact UEDCL customer service immediately at 0800 279 000 for assistance.
Q: How long does it take to receive tokens after payment?
A: You should receive your tokens via SMS within 1-2 minutes after payment.
Q: Do Light tokens expire?
A: No, Light tokens don’t expire. You can buy and keep them for future use.
Q: What happens if I lose the SMS with my token?
A: You can dial *185# on Airtel or *165# on MTN and check the “My Purchases” section to find your recent tokens.
Q: Can I check my meter balance without going to the meter?
A: Yes, you can check your balance by dialing *185# on Airtel or *165# and following the menu options to “Check Balance.”
Q: Is there a way to buy Light automatically when units are low?
A: Yes, UEDCL offers an auto-renewal service. Contact their customer care to set it up.
Q: What causes my units to run out faster than expected?
A: High-consumption appliances like water heaters, flat irons, and cookers use many units. Also check for faulty wiring or appliances.
Q: Can I buy Light tokens outside Uganda?
A: Yes, you can buy tokens from anywhere using mobile banking apps or asking someone in Uganda to help you.
Q: Does the price per unit change at different times?
A: No, UEDCL doesn’t have peak and off-peak rates. The price remains the same regardless of the time.
Q: What should I do if my meter doesn’t accept the token?
A: First, ensure you’re entering the correct token for your meter. If problems persist, contact UEDCL support.
Q: How do I know if my meter is faulty?
A: If your meter display is blank, showing error codes, or not accepting tokens despite correct entry, contact UEDCL for technical support.
Q: Can I get a refund if I buy more units than I need?
A: UEDCL doesn’t typically provide refunds for purchased tokens, so buy only what you need.
Conclusion
Buying Light (formerly Yaka) tokens using Mobile Money is now easier and more convenient than ever before. Whether you choose MTN MoMo or Airtel Money, you can purchase electricity tokens anytime, anywhere, without leaving your home. This saves you time and transport money that you would have spent going to payment centers.
Remember to always keep your meter number handy and ensure you have enough money in your Mobile Money account before starting the process. If you face any challenges, don’t hesitate to contact UEDCL customer care for assistance.
With these simple steps, you’ll never have to sit in darkness because you couldn’t access electricity tokens. The power to keep your lights on is literally in your hands – just a few button presses away on your mobile phone!
