How to buy Yaka (UEDCL Light) electricity tokens on MTN & Airtel

Since Umeme's concession ended on 31 March 2025, electricity in most of Uganda is distributed by UEDCL (Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited). Prepaid "Yaka" is now called UEDCL Light – but your meter and meter number are exactly the same. Here is how to buy units.

Buy Yaka with MTN Mobile Money (*165#)

1. Dial *165#
2. Select Payments
3. Select Utilities
4. Select UEDCL
5. Select Buy token
6. Enter your meter number, then the amount
7. Confirm the details and enter your MoMo PIN

You will receive an SMS with a 20-digit token and the number of units.

Buy Yaka with Airtel Money (*185#)

1. Dial *185#
2. Select Pay Bill
3. Select UEDCL Light Pay
4. Select Buy Light Token
5. Enter your meter number and amount
6. Enter your Airtel Money PIN

Note: menu numbers sometimes change when MTN or Airtel update their menus. If an option number doesn't match, follow the words on your screen (Payments → Utilities/Pay Bill → UEDCL).

Other ways to buy UEDCL Light

• MoMo app → Bills/Payments → UEDCL
• My Airtel app → Pay Bill → Electricity → UEDCL Light
• Mobile money agents – give the agent your meter number and amount
• Bank apps and payment platforms that list UEDCL under bill payments (e.g. Payway, Interswitch outlets)

How to load the token on your meter

1. Type the 20 digits on the meter keypad carefully.
2. Press Enter (the blue/# key on most meters).
3. The meter shows "Accept" and adds the units.

If the meter says "Reject" or "Used", check every digit – or the token may have already been entered. Keep the SMS as your receipt.

Token not received?

• MTN: dial *165# → Payments → Utilities → UEDCL → Get UEDCL last token.
• Airtel: call UEDCL toll-free on 0800 203 088, or message UEDCL on X/Facebook (@UEDCLTD) with your meter number and transaction ID.

More help: What to do if your Yaka token is not received.

How many units will I get?

Units depend on the ERA tariff and how much you've already bought this month. Use our Yaka units calculator or read the current electricity tariffs.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yaka still working after Umeme left?

Yes. Yaka meters work as before under UEDCL, now branded UEDCL Light. Units bought before the change remain valid.

What is the MTN code for buying Yaka?

Dial *165#, then Payments → Utilities → UEDCL → Buy token.

Can I buy Yaka for someone else's meter?

Yes. Enter their meter number. Double-check it – units sent to a wrong meter are hard to recover.