The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has upgraded electricity infrastructure in Matugga, Bombo and Kapeeka to address persistent low-voltage challenges and transformer overloading that have disrupted power supply to households and businesses.
The works, commissioned this week, include the installation of new transformers, upgrades to existing equipment and expansion of power lines aimed at improving reliability and meeting growing electricity demand in the affected areas.
According to UEDCL, residents in parts of Matugga and Bombo have been experiencing network constraints caused by increased electricity consumption that had placed pressure on existing transformers.
To ease the strain, the company installed two new distribution transformers in Matugga and upgraded an existing transformer in Kirowa Village from a 25kVA single-phase unit to a 50kVA three-phase unit. Another transformer was relocated to improve load distribution across the network.
In Bombo, two additional 50kVA transformers were installed and medium- and low-voltage power lines upgraded to strengthen supply to Wabitembe and Kabonge villages.
The company also extended electricity services to Mulama-Kitebere Village in Makulubita Sub-county, Kapeeka, through the installation of two transformers and the construction of more than seven kilometres of transmission and distribution lines.
UEDCL said the upgrades are expected to improve voltage quality, reduce pressure on overloaded equipment and increase the capacity of the network to serve more consumers.
Speaking during the commissioning of the projects in Matugga, UEDCL Senior Project Engineer Jenneth Anena Mwa said the investments were intended to eliminate network bottlenecks and improve customer experience.
“This project is testament to our commitment to addressing network constraints and responding to the growing electricity needs of our customers. The newly installed transformers will reduce the load on the existing overloaded units and enhance supply reliability in the communities we serve,” Mwa said.
She called on residents to protect electricity infrastructure from vandalism, warning that damage to network equipment could undermine the gains made through the upgrades.
“The community is the primary beneficiary of these investments. We appeal to residents to protect the infrastructure that has been put in place and promptly report any acts that may compromise the reliability of electricity supply,” she said.
The upgrades form part of UEDCL’s broader efforts to strengthen Uganda’s electricity distribution network amid rising demand for power in urban and rural communities.