KAMPALA – Uganda is on the brink of a significant change in its electricity distribution landscape. As of tomorrow, January 1, 2025, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) will take over power distribution duties from Umeme, marking the end of a 20-year concession.
According to Minister of Energy, Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, UEDCL is well-prepared to handle the transition seamlessly.
“We have been preparing for this moment for a long time,” Nankabirwa said. “UEDCL has the capacity, expertise, and resources to take over power distribution duties from Umeme. We are confident that the transition will be smooth and that UEDCL will provide reliable and efficient electricity services to the public.”
Umeme, a private electricity distribution company, has been operating in Uganda since 2005, when it took over the distribution of electricity from the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB). Over the years, Umeme has invested heavily in the distribution infrastructure, expanding its network to cover over 90% of the country’s population.
However, despite its successes, Umeme’s concession has been marred by controversy, with many Ugandans complaining about high electricity tariffs, frequent power outages, and poor customer service. The government has also been critical of Umeme’s performance, accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations under the concession agreement.
UEDCL, on the other hand, is a state-owned company that was established in 2013 to take over the distribution of electricity from Umeme when its concession expires. The company has been preparing for this moment, investing in new infrastructure, training its staff, and building its capacity to take over power distribution duties.
According to Nankabirwa, UEDCL is committed to providing reliable and efficient electricity services to the public. “We understand the importance of electricity in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for Ugandans,” she said. “We are committed to providing electricity services that are affordable, reliable, and efficient. We will work tirelessly to ensure that UEDCL meets the expectations of the public and delivers on its mandate.”
The transition from Umeme to UEDCL is expected to be smooth, with UEDCL having already taken over the management of several power plants, including Nalubare, Kira, Isimba, and Karuma. The company has also invested in fleet expansion, engineering and ICT services, labor and logistical support, and stakeholder engagements.
While there may be some transitional challenges, such as power cuts, UEDCL is committed to rectifying any issues that may arise. The company’s managing director, Paul Mwesigwa, has assured the public that UEDCL is ready to take over whatever work that will be done.
As Uganda embarks on this new chapter in its electricity distribution journey, the government and UEDCL are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and providing reliable and efficient electricity services to the public.
