The Managing Director of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Paul Mwesigwa, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring reliable, affordable, and inclusive electricity access for all Ugandans.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by Sanyuka Television on Wednesday, under the theme “Powering Uganda’s Growth: Access, Reliability, and Expansion,” Mwesigwa highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen Uganda’s energy sector and its role in driving national development from lighting homes and powering industries to fuelling innovation and economic inclusion.
“Electricity is the backbone of Uganda’s economic transformation. Our goal at UEDCL is to ensure that every Ugandan has access to safe, reliable, and affordable power that supports both household and industrial growth,” said Mwesigwa.
UEDCL is a government-owned entity under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, fully managed on behalf of the people of Uganda.
Established to distribute and manage the nation’s electricity supply, UEDCL temporarily privatised its distribution function in 2005 to attract investment through UMEME.
After two decades of private sector participation, the government conducted a comprehensive assessment and resolved to return electricity distribution responsibilities to UEDCL — marking a new chapter in national power management and accountability.
According to Mwesigwa, UEDCL has already conducted a countrywide assessment of all transformers, lines, and related equipment to ensure the delivery of quality service.
“We have simplified the connection process to make electricity more accessible.Today, a customer only needs about Shs 30,000 to get connected, provided a pole is within 90 meters. Everything can be done digitally no more paperwork or cash transactions,” said Mwesigwa.
All payments are now made through banking channels, and new connections are completed within 10 days of application.
To enhance reliability, UEDCL is also expanding its transformer network to stabilise supply and minimise technical faults such as blown fuses.
Mwesigwa noted that UEDCL’s operations are strongly aligned with the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda (BUBU) initiative.
“Most of our transformers, meters, and cables are locally manufactured. This not only reduces costs and import dependence but also creates thousands of jobs and strengthens Uganda’s industrial base,” he said.
UEDCL continues to enforce strict measures against electricity theft and vandalism, both of which pose serious threats to national infrastructure.
Electricity theft is punishable by fines of up to Shs 400 million or imprisonment, while vandalism of power equipment — including transformer oil, conductors, and fuses — is treated as economic sabotage, a crime equivalent to treason.
“We urge all Ugandans to support the Weetereze Campaign and use electricity legally. When you steal power or vandalize infrastructure, you’re not just breaking the law — you’re hurting your community,” he said.
Uganda’s electricity mix continues to grow more diverse, drawing power from hydropower, thermal, and solar sources. UEDCL collaborates closely with the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) to extend grid connections to new communities, particularly in areas already benefiting from renewable energy initiatives.
“Our partnership with UECCC has been instrumental in expanding rural electrification. Together, we’re lighting up new areas and transforming livelihoods,” he said.
UEDCL’s recent investments in locally produced transformers and digital service delivery are part of a broader strategy to modernize Uganda’s
power infrastructure and ensure sustainability.
“Every transformer we install represents both progress and opportunity — it creates jobs, supports industry, and drives Uganda’s vision for inclusive growth.”