The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL), the government agency now responsible for electricity distribution in Uganda, has shared major progress made in the 41 days since it officially took over from UMEME.
UMEME had managed the country’s electricity distribution for the past two decades.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, UEDCL spokesperson Jonan Kiiza outlined seven key achievements realised since the transition. Among the top priorities has been sensitising Ugandans on how to continue purchasing electricity through the old UMEME system, especially for those using mobile money platforms.
Another significant milestone is the repair of 262 faulty transformers across various regions of the country. On average, UEDCL has been fixing at least five transformers each day, helping to restore power in areas that had long struggled with outages.
Job creation has also featured prominently in UEDCL’s early efforts. The company has recruited 2,200 new employees, offering much-needed employment to Ugandans and strengthening its workforce for national service delivery.
Additionally, UEDCL reported resolving several power supply issues and has successfully connected 589 new customers. The agency is now targeting the registration of 270,779 more customers, as part of its mission to expand access to electricity.
While the agency remains optimistic, Kiiza acknowledged ongoing challenges—most notably, the widespread theft of electricity distribution materials such as wires, transformers, and poles. These acts of vandalism have hampered progress in some areas.
Despite these obstacles, UEDCL has promised Ugandans a future of reliable, efficient, and improved electricity services. As the company builds momentum in its new role, many are watching closely to see if it can deliver on this promise.