UEDCL reassures Ugandans of a stable power supply as UMEME Limited hands over

31 March 2025, 7:40 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), Ziria Tibalwa Waako, has praised Umeme Limited for its 20 years of service, highlighting their achievement in expanding the country’s electricity customer base to 2.5 million and reducing electricity losses from 33% in 2005 to 16% by 2024. This improvement has led to exceeding revenue collection targets on multiple occasions. The CEO concluded her remarks by thanking the Government of Uganda for its continuous support of the sector and extended her best wishes to Umeme Limited as they conclude their tenure in Uganda’s electricity sector.

It should be noted that the operations of UEDCL are authorised by the Electricity Act 1999, Chapter 145, Laws of Uganda. The company was granted an asset ownership licence on 1st March 2005 by the Electricity Regulatory Authority, permitting it to own facilities for the distribution network of up to 33kV. The Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, has congratulated Umeme Limited for its commendable work and emphasised the ministry’s continued support for Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited. The government has also reduced tariffs.

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has officially assumed the responsibilities previously undertaken by Umeme Limited in Uganda’s electricity sector. During the historic event in Kampala, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Engineer Irene Bateebe, explained, “The transition is not just a change in management; it is a crucial step in advancing Uganda’s second-generation power sector reforms by returning control of the electricity distribution network to UEDCL.”

She added that key priorities are being addressed, including ensuring sustainability, expanding access to underserved regions, and consolidating the distribution system in line with the 2023 Energy Policy. She also reassured the public that all service centres operated by Umeme Limited would continue functioning under Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, ensuring uninterrupted customer support. This reassurance comes amid widespread concern among Ugandans regarding the future operation of service centres across the country.