The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, has assured the nation of government’s commitment to improving the reliability of electricity distribution, even as the sector grapples with legacy investment gaps, vandalism, and power theft.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the minister outlined the progress made since the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) took over the distribution network from UMEME in March 2025, marking a new chapter in the country’s power sector.
“This press briefing is intended to update the country on the status of electricity distribution services and the steps being undertaken to ensure that we deliver a reliable service. I was last here when UEDCL marked its first 100 days in July. Since then, significant strides have been made,” she noted.
She noted that Uganda’s energy demand has consistently grown by an average of 10% annually, driven largely by industrial expansion and new customer connections.
However, the transition period following the end of the UMEME concession created a challenging environment for capital investment.
“Capital investments in the distribution network were constrained due to the short capital mobilization and investment recovery period,” she explained. “This created a period of reduced investment, which has affected the reliability and quality of power supply.”
Since taking over, UEDCL has embarked on a series of interventions to restore and upgrade the distribution network.
Nankabirwa highlighted key infrastructure upgrades, including expanded substations in Kakiri, Kabale, and Masaka, as well as the replacement of 206 faulty transformers and the connection of 140,000 new customers.
Looking ahead, she announced that UEDCL has already secured land for new substations in Magyigye and Kawempe, and plans are underway to refurbish nine substations, install 518 new transformers, and expand 40 medium-voltage lines by the end of 2025.
She emphasized that most of the components being installed are sourced locally under the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, saying, “We are working with local industries to support them in meeting the growing requirements for equipment and materials such as transformers.”
The Minister expressed concern over rising incidents of vandalism across several districts including Kololo, Mukono, Kayunga, and Mbarara.
“Acts of vandalism have continued to undermine progress, causing unnecessary outages for our communities. The Ministry, together with its agencies and the security organs, is actively working to combat this vice. But this is a fight we must all own. I call upon all RDCs, leaders, and citizens to join me in the fight against this menace. Let us protect our infrastructure and safeguard our shared progress,” she said.
In an effort to address power theft and hazardous illegal connections, she also highlighted the ongoing “Weterezeeee” campaign, which offers amnesty to those with illegal or tampered electricity connections.
“To date, over 22,937 Ugandans have responded,” she said. “I urge all citizens to take advantage of this opportunity. Electricity theft not only causes losses to the sector but also endangers lives and property.”
She announced that the campaign has been extended until October 31, 2025.
In addition, the Ministry is implementing the Free Electricity Connections Policy through the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), supporting “no-pole” and “one-pole” connections.
The Minister encouraged citizens to contact their nearest UEDCL offices to benefit from the program.
Nankabirwa reassurance of government’s resolve to strengthen the electricity distribution network and meet growing national demand. “Government remains fully committed to investing in the distribution and transmission sectors,” she said. “We are determined to match the fast-growing demand for electricity with infrastructure that is modern, resilient, and sustainable.”
She further announced that Cabinet has approved UEDCL’s five-year investment strategy, which is expected to bring significant improvements to Uganda’s power distribution network.
