The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has committed to improving electricity service delivery in response to rising public concern over persistent power outages across the country.
Jonan Kiiza, UEDCL’s Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs, announced that the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has approved a capital investment of USD 74 million for the company’s first year of operations.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director at a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre, Jonan Kiiza, UEDCL’s Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs, announced that the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) has approved a capital investment of USD 74 million for the company’s first year of operations.
Jonan Kiiza, UEDCL’s Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs
The funding will be used to refurbish aging power lines, upgrade existing substations, and construct new ones in high-demand areas.
Kiiza provided an update on UEDCL’s performance in the first 48 days since it officially assumed the national power distribution mandate from Umeme Limited on March 31, 2025.
Jonan Kiiza, UEDCL’s Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs
He noted that the company also plans to install more transformers and replace malfunctioning ones to enhance power reliability.
Since the transition from Umeme, UEDCL has faced growing criticism over recurring blackouts.
Kiiza attributed some of the recent power interruptions to seasonal heavy rains, which have damaged parts of the electricity distribution infrastructure.
Jonan Kiiza, UEDCL’s Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs
He also pointed to widespread vandalism of electricity infrastructure as a major ongoing challenge, citing affected districts such as Wabigalo, Nakasongola, Kakooge Kafu, Mityana, and Mpigi.
According to Kiiza, such criminal acts not only disrupt service but also place a significant financial strain on the company and the national economy.
UEDCL also released its performance report, 57 days after taking over from UMEME Limited last year. Kiiza, announced that UEDCL aims to connect up to 225,000 new customers over the next eight months.
“This aligns with the goals set forth by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) in the distribution license granted on December 31st, 2024. Across the country, UEDCL operates 100 service centres. So far, 96% of the employees have been onboarded and deployed in accordance with the staffing structure approved by the shareholders, while the remaining 4% of positions will be filled through external recruitment. Staff members are undergoing training in various business disciplines to enhance their skills at the fully operational Njeru Training Centre,” Kiiza stated.
It is worth noting that the Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa, emphasised that the connection teams are actively working on new installations. The required meters are available in stock, and there is no longer a need for middlemen. The online application system, which became fully operational in the second week of April 2025, is facilitating ongoing new connections.
Additionally, UEDCL has embarked on a massive renovation of the distribution system. The company confirmed that all 116 faulty transformers inherited on April 1st, 2025, from various parts of the country, have been replaced—significantly improving power reliability in the affected communities.
“To strengthen the distribution network, UEDCL began implementing extensive planned shutdowns across the country at the beginning of May 2025. Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) also carried out scheduled maintenance and upgrades at the Namanve, Kawanda, Nkenda, Mutundwe, and Mbarara North substations. These efforts aim to enhance sustainability and improve power reliability within the sector,” Kiiza added.
UEDCL also appealed to the general public not to give any money to its workers. All payments must be made online or through banks.