Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has set out an ambitious plan to add up to 225,000 new electricity connections across the country within the next eight months.
This expansion effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to power and improve service delivery, in line with targets outlined in its distribution license issued by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) on December 31, 2024.
The announcement comes as UEDCL commemorates 57 days since assuming full responsibility for power distribution, marking a period of significant groundwork and early achievements.
Currently, UEDCL operates 100 service centers across Uganda. Following a large-scale recruitment drive, 96% of staff have been onboarded and deployed according to the structure approved by shareholders.
The remaining 4% of required expertise will be sourced externally.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, UEDCL corporate affairs manager, Jonan Kiiza said they are on course to connect the 225,000, majority of whom were inherited from Umeme.
“We shall connect them on a first come first served based. The first application made will be worked on first,” Kiiza said.
In the second-to-last week of April, UEDCL began implementing new connections, focusing initially on three-phase and no-pole household installations.
According to Kiiza, the process is well underway and supported by available infrastructure.
“The connection teams are working on new connections and the required meters are in stock. There is no longer a need for middlemen because the online application system is completely operational,” he said.
Since the second week of April 2025, new customer connections have been rolling out across various regions.
Beyond expanding access, UEDCL is also undertaking a massive renovation of the national distribution system.
Notably, the company has replaced all 116 faulty transformers it inherited on April 1, 2025, significantly improving power reliability in affected areas. These transformers vary in capacity from 25kVA to 1MVA.
To further strengthen the grid, UEDCL initiated planned power shutdowns at the beginning of May.
These are being conducted alongside maintenance and upgrade operations at major substations, including Mutundwe, Namanve, Kawanda, Nkenda, and Mbarara North.
“Our consumers nationwide have experienced some inconvenience, but every effort is being made to increase the sector’s sustainability and power reliability,” noted Mr. Jonan Kiiza, Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs.
With $74 million (shs274 billion) in capital investment approved by ERA for its first year, UEDCL is executing a series of infrastructure projects.
These include refurbishing power lines, constructing and upgrading new substations, and installing over 518 transformers in high-demand areas by the end of 2025.
In response to growing customer needs, UEDCL has launched round-the-clock contact centers and enhanced its digital presence.
The company is actively using platforms such as X, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram to share updates and engage with the public.
Customers can also now pay bills via telecoms, banks, and mobile banking apps, offering flexible, real-time payment options.
“We will be wherever our consumers are!” the company stated.
Despite early gains, UEDCL is facing increasing threats from vandalism and illegal connections, which are driving up operational costs and endangering communities.
In its first month alone, the company recorded nine cases in Nakasongola and Luwero, with additional incidents in Mityana and Mukono.
These disruptions have caused extended outages and tarnished the company’s public image.
In response, UEDCL is working closely with law enforcement and urging the public to report any incidents through its toll-free hotlines: 0800203088, 0800285285, 0800385385, or via local authorities, police, the army, or the media.
“Community engagements are at the heart of our strategy,” stated Mr. Mwesigwa. “We are stepping up outreach efforts using every available channel, including the media.”
To strengthen this approach, UEDCL is organizing a series of community barazas in Wabigalo, Kakoge, Katugo, and Nakasongola beginning next week.
Despite high expectations and emerging challenges, UEDCL says it remains unwavering in its mission to deliver stable, inclusive, and reliable electricity services to all Ugandans.
“The first 57 days have demonstrated potential, tenacity, and a definite emphasis on long-term achievement. The journey has just begun, and UEDCL asks for public patience and continued support as it stabilizes the network with more investments,” the statement concluded.
