By Musa Mbogo
In times of change, uncertainty often shadows progress. However, as the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) embarks on its journey as the new electricity distributor in Uganda, the promise of a smooth transition stands as a beacon of hope for the public.
The assurance that Ugandans with pending electricity connection applications under Umeme will not face any additional costs comes as a welcome relief. Like a bird that has flown away but leaves its nest intact, UEDCL is committed to ensuring no disruptions for those who have already completed their requirements.
Ugandans who applied for electricity connections under Umeme prior to its exit can now breathe a sigh of relief, as the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has assured the public that no additional charges will be imposed on their pending applications.
UEDCL, which officially took over power distribution on March 31, 2025, has pledged to honour all pending connections left by Umeme at no extra cost.
“Umeme has left several pending connections in the system, and understandably, people are asking, ‘What will happen now that Umeme has left?’ I want to assure every Ugandan that if you have met all the necessary requirements and conditions for your connection, we will connect you without any additional fees,” said Eng. Protaze Tibyakinura, UEDCL’s Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer.
Tibyakinura made these remarks during a Baraza organised by Kigo Thinkers in partnership with the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) at the ERA headquarters on Tuesday.
The transition from Umeme to UEDCL has raised public concern, particularly about whether individuals who had already paid for their electricity connections would be required to pay again under the new management. UEDCL’s reassurance has helped to quell these fears.
Tibyakinura further noted that in the first 15 days since UEDCL took over, the company has prioritized restoring network stability and addressing frequent power outages.
“We have concentrated on restoring stability to the network. By the end of next week, we will begin new connections. Our materials are already in stock and will be distributed to our local offices. So, the new connection line will be open next week,” he added.
Looking ahead, UEDCL plans to roll out several capital projects starting in May, including 512 transformer injections nationwide. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the reliability of the electricity supply.
By June, the company will begin large-scale infrastructure upgrades, such as adding substations and refurbishing networks.
“As we approach the end of May and into June, we will start rolling out major projects, including substation additions and refurbishments. We will also be investing in the refurbishment of existing lines to ensure a more resilient network. I can confidently assure Ugandans that within the next year, the network will meet the standards needed. The good news is that funding for these investments has already been secured,” Tibyakinura explained.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director (ED) of ERA, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, reassured the public that UEDCL possesses the necessary capacity to deliver reliable and secure electricity.
“I can confirm that UEDCL is well-facilitated to make investments, just as Umeme was. UEDCL’s shareholders are financially capable, and the company is already recovering costs and making the necessary investments. I want to dispel any concerns about UEDCL’s financial stability,” Eng. Ziria said.
The ED also revealed that the regulator has directed UEDCL to reduce electricity losses from the 16% rate inherited from Umeme to 14.59% within the first nine months of operation.
Mr. Blessing Nshaho, the Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Umeme, echoed Ziria’s comments, assuring the public of a smooth transition. He highlighted that over 3,000 Umeme staff had successfully transferred to UEDCL, ensuring continuity in service.
“Over 3,400 Umeme staff, who are familiar with the systems, the grid, and the customers, have transitioned to UEDCL. This will ensure that there is no disruption in service,” he said.
Dr. Frank Ssebbowa, an electricity expert, reflected on the transformation of Uganda’s power sector, acknowledging its journey from a state of disarray to one that is now gaining recognition across the continent.
On the controversial agreement between Umeme and the government, which concluded with Umeme receiving a substantial payout, Dr. Ssebbowa stated that the decision was necessary at the time.
“Back then, we needed Umeme. The government was not fully equipped to manage the electricity sector,” he explained. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
