The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has committed to tackling persistent power outages impacting investors in industrial parks.
This pledge was made at the Investors’ Baraza held at Mbalala Industrial Park, marking a significant step for the private sector.
Eng. Samson Ntondo, UEDCL’s Head of Distribution, who represented Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa, affirmed their commitment to improving service for investors.
“We shall use part of the $74 million acquired by UEDCL to improve the availability of power and reliability on the grid network,” Ntondo remarked.
He added that many investors on the network often increase their capacity without notifying UEDCL, causing grid imbalances that contribute to power outages.
Ntondo also highlighted vandalism of electric conductors by smelting companies and power cuts due to natural disasters, such as heavy rains, as challenges affecting power connectivity.
Jessica Florence Zziwa, UEDCL’s Head of Commercial and Operations, reinforced the utility’s dedication to reliable service delivery.
“Our mandate is to light up the world and ensure reliable and affordable power. The newly commissioned substation in Mukono North is part of our plan to meet the demanding industrial power needs,” Zziwa said.
Evelyn Anite, State Minister of Privatization and Investment, acknowledged the government’s efforts to resolve utility challenges in industrial parks.
“The Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED) is working closely with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) and the Ministry of Energy to accelerate solutions to these power issues,” she noted.
Anite also emphasized the ongoing economic transformation in Uganda.
“We are growing at a rate of 7%. Industrialization is now at the centre stage, creating jobs and reducing our reliance on imports. The partnership between government and investors has never been stronger,” she said.
Robert Kyamanywa, Chairman of the UIA Board, expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of local investors in Mbalala Industrial Park.
“Our goal is to empower domestic investment to play a critical role in the economy,” Kyamanywa said.
Mbalala Industrial Park houses around 40 factories, providing jobs for over 50,000 workers. The park, developed by the government, offers essential infrastructure, including electricity, roads, water, and internet connectivity to support industrial growth.
Martin Muhangi, Deputy Director General at UIA, urged investors to make use of the UIA One Stop Centre to reduce bureaucratic delays.
“We recognize the challenges investors face and have established platforms to ease doing business. We also invite investors to explore the vast opportunities across sectors,” Muhangi added.
The UIA launched the Baraza initiative to address the challenges encountered by both domestic and foreign investors nationwide.
