Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited(UEDCL) has said it has successfully stabilized the supply of power around the country, since taking over from Umeme, 100 days ago.
UEDCL, a government company,on April, 1, 2025, officially took over the country’s power network after the elapse of the 20- year concession by Umeme and government opted not to renew it.
Giving an account of their first 100 days, UEDCL Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa said they have reach great milestones since taking over from Umeme, over three months ago.
“We have managed to have stability of the vending and billing system and our customers have never experienced any material issue. The cash collection is at 104%. That is good progress for good institution and distributor in general,” Mwesigwa said.
“We are creating a health energy sector. We have 100% paid for our bills and generators can be financed. Total payments to the transmitter since the takeover in April is Shs220bn already paid to UETCL. With the few activities we have done so far, we have demonstrated improved reliability and overall, by end of June, it is standing at 97.7% compared by 97.1% in March.”
The new power distributor said they had replaced at 116 transformers which were outdated , noting that they are soon replacing more.
“There are more transformers giving way and we are to insert more than 518 transformers so that people get steady supply and good voltage,” Mwesigwa said.
He noted that they have streamlined the procurement process with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets( PPDA) to ensure the process of acquiring new transformers is streamlined.
“If you need a transformer process is very easy and don’t expect so much delays in our service delivery.”
The UEDCL boss said they have been able to maintain the call centre and all channels of communication are available.
Loadshedding
The UEDCL Managing Director said as part of their ongoing efforts, they have started upgrading the network, to among others solve the problems of loadshedding.
Mwesigwa said they have established overload but also worked on some lines like the Kawanda -Matugga , Mbarara north transformer, Kabale-Kisoro and Kakiri.
“We are seeing stability in those areas.”
He however said they have also identified 11 critical substations which are loaded over 80% , noting that this causes loadshedding in areas served by these areas.
Mwesigwa said they are working on solving this problem.
Commenting about the progress of the UEDCL works, Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa hailed the company for proving the naysayers wrong.
“The country has not gone into darkness as many had thought. We are moving on supplying and selling power. UEDCL has paid 100% for the power it has bought. This is successful execution of the job,” Nankabirwa said.
“I am proud of the first 100 days of UEDCL.My ministry will continue to support UEDCL to ensure it is fit for the job.”
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