The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has appointed Eng. Joselynne R. Rwakakooko as its Acting Managing Director.
The appointment, which took effect on May 2, 2026, was announced in an official statement signed by Stella Marie Biwaga Cingtho, Interim Chairperson of the Board of Directors. Eng. Rwakakooko assumes the role from Paul Mwesigwa, who previously served as Managing Director.
Prior to her appointment, Eng. Rwakakooko served as UEDCL’s Chief Commercial Officer and has been a member of the company’s senior management team. She brings over 20 years of experience in electricity distribution, commercial operations, and large-scale utility management.
According to the Board, she has demonstrated strong leadership in driving institutional transformation, improving operational performance, and delivering sustainable growth within complex and evolving power sector environments.
“The Board of Directors of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited wishes to inform the general public, stakeholders, and partners of the recent governance and management changes at the Company,” the board said.
The Board also expressed appreciation for the outgoing Managing Director’s service, noting: “The Board extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Paul Mwesigwa for his dedicated service to UEDCL over the years as Managing Director.”
“The Board wishes to reassure the public, partners, and all stakeholders that UEDCL remains stable and fully operational. This leadership transition will not disrupt ongoing operations.”
The company further emphasized its continued commitment to safety, customer experience, teamwork, integrity, and innovation as it delivers reliable electricity services across Uganda.
The appointment comes shortly after government initiated a significant leadership shake-up at UEDCL, terminating the Board Chairperson and sending the Managing Director on forced leave as part of a broader review of the company’s management and operations.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development dated May 2, 2026, authorities confirmed that the move is intended to strengthen governance, accountability, and service delivery within the country’s electricity distribution sub-sector.
“The Government has undertaken a review of the management at Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). In this regard, the services of the Chairperson of the Board have been terminated, and the Managing Director has been placed on forced leave to allow for a comprehensive review of the company’s management and operations,” the ministry said.
The development follows earlier reports indicating that Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo had been relieved of her duties, while Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa was directed to step aside pending investigations or administrative review. However, the ministry’s statement did not disclose specific reasons behind the decisions.
To maintain operational stability, the government has moved swiftly to establish interim leadership structures. According to the ministry, shareholders have already appointed an Interim Board Chairperson, while the Board has designated an Acting Managing Director to oversee the day-to-day operations of UEDCL during the transition period.
“These interim arrangements will remain in place until the vacant positions are substantively filled,” the statement reads
The ministry emphasized that the actions are part of routine governance and oversight procedures rather than a response to any immediate crisis. Officials stressed that the objective is to reinforce institutional performance and ensure that UEDCL operates efficiently in line with national energy priorities.
“This is aimed at strengthening institutional performance, accountability, and service delivery within the energy sector,” the ministry added.
UEDCL plays a critical role in Uganda’s electricity value chain, particularly as the country continues to expand power generation capacity and extend access to electricity across urban and rural areas. Any disruptions at the utility could have wide-reaching implications for businesses and households alike.
However, the government sought to allay public concern, assuring Ugandans that electricity supply and distribution services will remain uninterrupted despite the leadership changes.
“The public and all stakeholders are hereby assured that electricity supply and distribution services will continue uninterrupted during this period,” the ministry said.
The ministry further called for calm and cooperation from stakeholders as the review process unfolds, noting that the reforms are part of ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and operational effectiveness in the energy sector.
“The Ministry appreciates the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders as government works to strengthen governance and operational effectiveness,” the statement added.