Nankabirwa defends UEDCL over blackouts as Lukwago protests Nakivubo works

7 October 2025, 8:18 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Following several complaints from the general public about the performance of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) since it took over operations from UMEME Limited, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, today addressed the country on the matter at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala. She was accompanied by officials from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and representatives from UEDCL.

“I want to thank the general public for consuming electricity. This represents 10% growth,” the minister said, noting that the growing demand has also contributed to increased strain on the distribution network.

Nankabirwa explained that in order to prevent total nationwide blackouts, UEDCL has been forced to temporarily switch off some areas particularly those served by aging substations that require repair or replacement. She cited Namungoona, Mutundwe, and surrounding areas as examples, saying their substations were installed between 1993 and 1994 and are now due for major upgrades.

The minister added that government and UEDCL are already addressing the problem by maintaining 206 transformers and implementing other long-term solutions. She urged the public to be patient as these works are carried out.

In her remarks, Nankabirwa also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in electricity theft, giving them a three-month grace period to stop and take advantage of the ongoing Wetereze campaign. She revealed that 22,360 people have so far been caught stealing power, while 62 others have been arrested for vandalizing electric wires.

“People said that the meters were expensive, so they resorted to stealing electricity. We decided to lower the price from between Uganda Shillings 500 and 700 to a more affordable rate,” she said, calling on Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), District Police Commanders (DPCs), and other leaders to act swiftly in enforcing the law.

She further emphasized that transformer repairs should not exceed two weeks and appealed to the public to support UEDCL workers instead of discouraging them on social media.

Meanwhile, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has continued to raise concerns over the ongoing renovation of the Nakivubo drainage channel by businessman Hamis Kiggundu’s Ham Enterprises. Lukwago described the project as illegal, saying it lacked proper environmental clearance.

On August 22, 2025, the Executive Director of the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Dr. Barirega Akankwasah, wrote to the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), copying the Lord Mayor, requesting information about the proposed development after receiving reports about the project.

Lukwago argued that Ham Enterprises should have ensured an alternative water passage before undertaking the works. Nevertheless, the ongoing renovation has created employment opportunities for many young people working on the drainage channel