Ugandans welcome Umeme’s exit, but is UEDCL any better?

13 March 2025, 6:02 AM

By Freeman Canogura

As Uganda prepares for Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to take over nationwide electricity distribution from Umeme, many Ugandans are celebrating, hoping that the frequent blackouts and poor service will finally end. However, residents of Pader, Agago, and Abim districts where UEDCL has been in charge for the past two years, are warning that the situation may not improve and could even get worse.

UEDCL took over electricity distribution in the three districts after the closure of PACMECS, a local electricity supplier. At first, residents welcomed the change, expecting more stable and efficient service. However, many now say their expectations were misplaced, as power supply remains unreliable, disrupting businesses and livelihoods.

Business owners in Agago, Abim, and Pader have voiced frustration over constant blackouts, which they say have become more frequent and unpredictable under UEDCL. Many complain that the company fails to inform them in advance about power outages, leaving them stranded and forcing them to rely on costly generators.

Samuel Ojara, a welder in Patongo Town Council, says his income has dropped significantly because he cannot meet customer demands due to unreliable power. He now uses a generator more often than electricity, but the rising cost of fuel is making it difficult to stay profitable.

Similarly, Bosco Oyet, an electronics shop owner in Patongo, says many people lost their fridges, woofers, and TVs due to sudden power surges, yet UEDCL has not compensated them despite their complaints. Like many others, he is now questioning whether UEDCL will truly improve electricity services once it takes over nationwide operations.

While many residents criticize UEDCL, some leaders believe the change could bring better accountability. Joseph Komakech, the Mayor of Patongo Town Council, says the entire country being under one power distributor is a positive step because concerns can now be raised at a national level and addressed more effectively. He believes UEDCL will learn from its challenges in Agago, Pader, and Abim and improve service delivery across Uganda.

Most residents in the three districts are calling on UEDCL to improve communication, provide a clear power supply schedule, and ensure reliable electricity to prevent further economic losses. They are also urging the government and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) to closely monitor UEDCL’s performance and hold them accountable for any failures in service delivery.