Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has marked its first 100 days since officially taking over electricity distribution from Umeme, with the period defined by reduced electricity costs, improved service delivery, and a shift in the country’s power distribution strategy.
Speaking at a press briefing, UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa reported that the company has already achieved major milestones, including a reduction in electricity tariffs that has saved consumers an estimated Shs 250 billion.
“Electricity costs have steadily declined. The most recent 14% reduction translates into about 250 billion shillings saved for consumers,” Mwesigwa stated.
“We’ve now achieved our target of five US cents per kilowatt-hour for extra-large industries, and we are committed to further lowering power costs for everyone,” he added.
Mwesigwa attributed the progress to UEDCL’s strategic focus on four key areas: talent management, financial sustainability, customer service excellence, and network availability.
“This journey started with four key priorities—talent management, financial sustainability, customer service excellence, and network availability. I am proud to say we have made good progress on all fronts,” he said.
A reported 6% rise in energy purchases and enhanced customer service performance also point to growing consumer confidence in UEDCL’s operations.
Energy and Mineral Development Minister Ruth Nankabirwa welcomed the improvements but cautioned that serious challenges remain—particularly vandalism and electricity theft, which continue to hamper sector growth.
“There are people stealing power in broad daylight, and others damaging transformers and power lines. These acts are not just wrong—they are criminal,” she said. “We recently arrested 17 suspects and charged them with terrorism. We shall not tolerate vandalism.”
The minister also criticised some local leaders, particularly Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), for failing to curb these acts of sabotage.
“Where are the RDCs when all this is happening? How can people tap power and no one notices? Government cannot succeed alone. We need everyone to be patriotic and help protect this infrastructure,” Nankabirwa said.
Rising electricity demand has also led to transformer overloads in fast-growing areas like Mukono, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades.
To address these gaps, UEDCL is finalizing a $350 million investment plan to modernize and expand the national electricity distribution network over the next five years.
Despite the transition, UEDCL has maintained business continuity by rebranding and operating former Umeme offices, while aggressively recruiting staff and installing new infrastructure.
“We didn’t shut down the old Umeme centers. We just rebranded them for business continuity. Our focus is on service, not disruption,” Mwesigwa said.
So far, the company has recruited over 2,600 employees—96% of its staffing target—while installing more than 518 new transformers and 24,000 electricity meters. Mwesigwa added that UEDCL will soon provide free meters to customers without proper installations.
“We are also preparing to launch a campaign to allow people to report if they don’t have an official meter. Anyone missing one will get it free of charge,” he noted.
The government is prioritizing district headquarters first before expanding power connections to sub-counties and remote communities under a phased national rollout.
“We receive calls daily from people requesting electricity connections. We are moving toward them step by step,” Nankabirwa said.
Both Mwesigwa and Nankabirwa expressed optimism about UEDCL’s long-term plans and reiterated the need for collective action against vandalism and electricity theft.
“I am proud of what we’ve achieved so far and hopeful that we will continue on this positive path,” Nankabirwa said.
“We’re here to serve Ugandans better,” Mwesigwa added. “And we’re just getting started.”
