In December 2010, Posta Uganda did announce an increment of more than 50% in the tariffs on all the services it offers from rental boxes to the mail but for sure in today’s competitive world there was no warrant for such high tariffs as its been reported that it (Posta Uganda) after its being split 10 years ago its one kind of a leaping giant this was so confirmed in UCC’s status update of 2010 to the Ugandan consumer.

If the sector is to grow and compete favorably UCC should not have approved the tariffs without a wider sector consultation with all stakeholders and the consumers who are sole beneficiary of all postal services in Uganda.  Many countries even the UK are struggling with the postal sector that last year the Royal Mail mooted the idea of phasing out some of the unprofitable services especially those that are being handled by private providers like DHL.  Reform is needed within the postal services and Posta Uganda should be given the highest priority like UCC and Government did with the telecommunications sector 20 years ago.

Consumers may not be aware of the tariffs even though there were some media ads in the newspapers. The tariffs may be good to help rejuvenate Posta Uganda to meet its standards and operational cost but the regulator need to come up with new ways on how it can help it to invest in profitable ventures then making the rates too high for the common man.

Kiapi K. Frederick

Member, Uganda ICT Consumer Protection Association (UICPA)