Overview:
Residents of Kiboga can now access affordable electricity. The new connections are part of a government initiative to expand power access and support Uganda's Vision 2040.
KIBOGA, Uganda — The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development officially commissioned new electricity connections in Kiboga District on Sunday, marking a key milestone in the government’s effort to expand power access.
The initiative is part of the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), which aims to connect at least 900,000 new customers by 2027 with $638 million in funding from the World Bank. The project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7, which promotes affordable and clean energy.
While the main launch of EASP was held in Mitooma and Katakwi, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa stated that smaller ceremonies would be held in each district to communicate directly with beneficiaries about the government’s efforts.
“We are starting the last-mile connections program to light up homes in Bukomero, Kiboga District, today,” Nankabirwa said, addressing a gathering at the commissioning event. She stressed that meters are being provided free of charge, and customers only need to hire an Electricity Regulatory Authority-licensed wireman to wire their homes.
UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa echoed the minister’s message, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing affordable connections as quickly as possible.
“We are in Bukomero today to provide our customers with cheaper electricity thanks to the government,” Mwesigwa said. He added that the only required fees are 23,600 Ugandan shillings for inspections and 6,400 shillings for initial energy, which can be paid through any mobile platform. Mwesigwa also noted that UEDCL has hired an additional 850 connection technicians to expedite the process.
During the event, Nankabirwa and Mwesigwa observed a new connection being made at a shop owned by George Sibewalwa. Sibewalwa thanked the government and UEDCL, encouraging other Bukomero residents to apply for the new connections.
The project prioritizes applicants living 90 meters or less from a low-voltage pole, offering them a free power connection. The overall goal of the initiative is to increase electricity access for homes, businesses, and public institutions to support Uganda’s industrialization and achieve its Vision 2040 goals.