UEDCL adds 648,000 new connections six months after takeover

17 September 2025, 7:45 pm

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

Within the first six months since Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) assumed management from UMEME, the government-owned entity has added 648,404 new connections to the national grid, UEDCL officials have revealed.

The announcement was made by UEDCL’s Managing Director, Mr. Paul Mwesigwa, on Tuesday, 16th September 2025, during a meeting of the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU), which brings together leaders of government agencies to discuss achievements and challenges.

Mr. Mwesigwa noted that the total number of electricity connections has risen from 1,782,085 to 2,430,489 since April, when the government took over the privately operated concessionaire. Grid-connected households have also increased from 1,687,267 to 2,327,898 in the same period.

The UEDCL boss highlighted additional milestones, including the expansion of the national grid from 3,431 km to 5,140 km, an increase in total installed generation capacity from 1,362 megawatts to 2,049 megawatts, and a reduction in energy losses from 19.1% to 16.8%.

“The government took a fundamental decision to take over all privately operated concessionaires. That is a fundamental achievement; in that regard, the government has actually scored very well,” Mr. Mwesigwa said.

The meeting, in its fifth edition, was chaired by Mr. Patrick Birungi, Executive Director of Uganda Development Corporation (UDC), and attended by key officials including Mr. Benson Turamye (Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority), Prof. Bruce Kirenga (Makerere College of Health Sciences), and representatives from UECCC, URSB, and other government agencies.

Mr. Mwesigwa commended PPDA for accrediting UEDCL, noting that the move has accelerated the process of making new connections. Meanwhile, Mr. Desmond Tutu Opio from UECCC highlighted efforts to expand renewable energy access, including deployment of over 353,000 household solutions such as solar lanterns, home systems, cookstoves, water pumps, and refrigerators in remote districts.

PPDA’s Mr. Turamye raised concerns over vandalism, particularly in rural areas, which continues to hinder access to electricity. Other officials, including Mr. Kule Walid and Mr. Edward Katende, emphasized the need to publicize the government’s achievements across mass media platforms to ensure visibility.

Mr. Birungi concluded by announcing upcoming initiatives to share development success stories, including an economic forum on NBS TV by the end of the month, an economic summit on NTV in mid-October, and regular publications in New Vision and UBC.