Overview:
Residents and businesses in Uganda face increased power outages and slow responses following the transition to UEDCL, leading to frustration and economic disruption.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Electricity stability in Uganda is deteriorating following the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited’s (UEDCL) takeover of power distribution from Umeme, UEDCL officials said Friday.
In the approximately 45 days since UEDCL assumed control on April 1, residents across the country have reported increased and prolonged power blackouts, with slow or non-existent responses to outages.
Residents in areas like Mukono, Kampala, and Kabale have detailed instances of persistent power issues, including sparking electric poles, ineffective transformer replacements, and week-long outages affecting homes and businesses. Small business owners, particularly those in sectors like salons and metal workshops, have expressed frustration over the unreliable power supply.
UEDCL spokesperson Jonan Kizza attributed the worsening power situation to Umeme’s alleged lack of investment in the power grid during the final two years of its 20-year concession, which ended on March 31.
“What we are seeing is a clear indication of the consequences of the decision to limit Umeme’s investment,” Kizza told reporters in Kampala. He stated that the government is seeking 270.2 billion shillings to invest in the distribution network by year-end and announced a planned system upgrade shutdown this month to improve reliability.
Kizza said that UEDCL inherited a poorly maintained network from Umeme, despite data indicating Umeme invested $272.575 million between 2015 and 2019. Investment reportedly decreased by 30% from 2020 to March 2024, totaling $189.388 million.
Despite the challenges, Kizza said UEDCL has been scaling up operations, replacing 260 transformers and restoring 116 others in its first 41 days. The company has also hired over 2,200 new employees and connected more than 5,000 new customers in April, while addressing a backlog of over 277,000 connection applications inherited from Umeme.
John Walugembe, executive director of the Federation of Small and Medium Enterprises Uganda, acknowledged that transition issues were expected but urged for swift resolution to minimize costs for manufacturers.
UEDCL also reported a surge in vandalism targeting power infrastructure, particularly in areas like Mityana, where thieves allegedly stole wires after posing as Umeme staff. Kizza warned of strict penalties for vandalism under the Electricity Act.
Umeme spokesperson Peter Kaujju stated that the company invested $850 million in Uganda’s grid over the past 20 years, complying with government directives on investment, especially during the second phase of energy sector reforms. He emphasized focusing on excellent customer satisfaction and value for money.