Gulu residents welcome UEDCL improvements, demand cheaper power

23 October 2026, 12:39 pm

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Residents of Vanguard Cell in Gulu City have welcomed improved electricity services from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), particularly advance notifications of planned outages.

However, they have called for lower connection and electricity costs, fewer power interruptions and the replacement of a faulty transformer. UEDCL says the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) determines electricity tariffs, which are reviewed quarterly.

Residents of Vanguard Cell in Pece-Laro Division, Gulu City, have welcomed improvements in electricity service delivery by UEDCL while calling for lower electricity costs, fewer power outages and the replacement of a faulty transformer in their area.

Ojok Ambrose, a resident of Vanguard Cell, said UEDCL had improved communication with customers by notifying them in advance about planned power interruptions. He noted that the alerts enabled residents to prepare for outages and plan their business activities accordingly.

However, Ambrose expressed concern about the high cost of new electricity connections and power units, urging the company to review its charges to make electricity more affordable for consumers.

Another resident, Jaspher Ocen, acknowledged improvements in electricity supply compared with the period when UMEME managed distribution, but said occasional power outages remained a challenge.

Ocen also raised concerns about the condition of the area’s transformer, which he said frequently develops faults and could pose a safety risk. He appealed to UEDCL to replace it to prevent further disruptions and improve the reliability of the electricity supply.

Responding to public concerns about high electricity tariffs, UEDCL Gulu Area Manager Colline Karabyo said the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) is responsible for determining electricity prices in Uganda. She said ERA reviews tariffs every three months and provides opportunities for public participation in the process.

Karabyo clarified that UEDCL, as the electricity distribution service provider, implements the tariffs approved by ERA and does not independently set electricity unit prices.