The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) plans to connect 225,000 new customers to the national grid over the next eight months, aligning with the Electricity Regulatory Authority’s (ERA) distribution licence granted on December 31, 2024.
UEDCL, operating 100 service centres nationwide, has deployed 96% of its workforce following a mass hiring process, with the remaining 4% to be sourced externally. Staff training at the fully operational Njeru centre focuses on business skills, change management, and cultural alignment to boost efficiency.
Since mid-April 2025, UEDCL has rolled out new connections, prioritising three-phase and no-pole household setups. Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa confirmed that connection teams are active, with sufficient meters in stock. “There is no longer a need for middlemen because the online application system is completely operational,” he said.
The company has also replaced 116 faulty transformers inherited on 1 April 2025, ranging from 25kVA to 1MVA, improving power reliability across various communities. To strengthen the network, UEDCL began extensive planned shutdowns in May 2025, alongside maintenance at Mutundwe, Namanve, Kawanda, Nkenda, and Mbarara North substations. “Our consumers nationwide have experienced some inconvenience, but every effort is being made to increase the sector’s sustainability and power reliability,” said UEDCL’s Kiiza.
With a $74 million (about UGX 274 billion) budget approved by ERA, UEDCL is refurbishing lines, upgrading substations, and installing 518 transformers in high-demand areas by year-end. These efforts aim to meet rising electricity needs.
