POWER SUPPLY! UEDCL Launches Nationwide Stakeholder Engagement Drive

By Brian Musaasizi

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has embarked on a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive to address concerns over power supply reliability, strengthen collaboration with local leaders and get feedback on service delivery.

The engagements kicked off in Kira Municipality, where UEDCL outlined a number of ongoing network interventions aimed at improving electricity supply reliability in the area.

“We are engaging with local leaders to explain the causes of the current supply interruptions, provide information on ongoing projects, listen to their concerns and explore opportunities for collaboration”, said Isaac Katewanga, Ag. Chief Commercial and Operations Services Officer.

Katewanga acknowledged the inconvenience caused by frequent power interruptions in the area, saying the company is implementing both short-term interventions and long-term infrastructure investments to address the current network constraints and meet the growing electricity demand.

Among the ongoing interventions is the Kawanda Substation transformer upgrade, which is expected to address capacity constraints affecting Naalya and Kyaliwajala customers. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

UEDCL has also commenced the splitting of the Seeta and Bukerere distribution line to relieve network congestion, improve voltage stability and support faster restoration of supply.

Other immediate interventions include the deployment of additional transformers in heavily loaded areas, replacement of strained transformers with higher-capacity units and prompt replacement of damaged poles and conductors.

Samson Tondo, head engineering services-central region, said the interventions will benefit over 80,000 customers in Kira, Namugongo, Kyaliwajala, Bulindo, Kitukutwe, Nsasa, Nabusugwe, Naalya, Kasangati, Najjera, Kitikifumba, Nakwero, Kijabijjo, Bukerere, Sonde and the surrounding areas.

Tondo said the company is working with its counterpart, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to support the planned increase in the Greater Kampala transmission capacity from 80MW to 200MW.

“The long-term investments in the pipeline to benefit different parts of the country include the construction of the Magigye, Kigo and Nakasero substations, as well as upgrades of Kireka, Busunju, Kakiri, Mubende, Kanyantogoro, Jinja Industrial, Kabaale and Mbale substations,” said Tondo.

Areas set to benefit from ongoing power line refurbishment projects include Mityana, Masaka, Kasese and Bushenyi among others. Once these projects are completed, UEDCL expects to achieve 98% improvement in supply reliability.

UEDCL decried the increase in vandalism that has left many communities in darkness and disrupted essential services. Tondo urged the local leaders and the general public to be vigilant and report all suspicious activities on the electricity distribution network to UEDCL and the local authorities.

Jessica Zziwa, head commercial and operations services officer- central region, urged the public to join the fight against new electricity connection fraudsters, who she said, remain a major concern.

“We encourage customers to pay for new connections directly to UEDCL through our accredited partner banks and mobile payment platforms. Do not pay cash to any one promising to speed up your connection. Report suspected fraud directly to UEDCL through our whistleblower number 0312330377 or contact the nearest Police station,” said Zziwa.

The meeting was attended by over 100 local leaders including ASP Justus Tashobya, the Regional Police Commander, Kampala East who commended UEDCL for investing in critical electricity distribution infrastructure and pledged support in safeguarding the network against vandalism.

“We shall continue to work with UEDCL to ensure that perpetrators of vandalism and other offenses are identified and apprehended,” he said.

Moses Haumba, the Mayor of Namugongo Division commended UEDCL for taking the initiative to engage with local leaders and listen to their concerns. He said “This is a big step towards strengthening the relationship between UEDCL, local leaders and our communities. Such engagements are important in addressing challenges affecting service delivery and ensuring that communities play an active role in protecting the electricity distribution infrastructure”.

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) was formed in 2001 pursuant to the Electricity Act, 1999 (as amended 2022), following the split of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB). UEDCL’s mandate is to own all the electricity distribution networks below 33kV across the country. In addition, UEDCL received a license for sale and distribution of electricity in Uganda on 31 December 2024.