Rwakakooko steps in as UEDCL acting MD after management reshuffle

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited has appointed Eng. Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director, effective May 2, 2026, in a leadership change announced by the Board as part of ongoing governance and management adjustments.

The appointment was confirmed in a May 2 statement, which said the changes form part of broader reforms communicated to stakeholders and development partners aimed at strengthening oversight and operational performance in the electricity distribution sector.

Rwakakooko, who has been serving as the company’s Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, brings more than 20 years of experience in electricity distribution, utility management, and commercial operations.

She steps into the acting role at a time when the state-owned distributor is navigating a complex transition period following its assumption of full electricity distribution responsibilities from private operator Umeme.

Before joining UEDCL, she worked at Umeme Limited, where she held senior positions including Customer Service Engineering Manager and Head of Network Operations. In those roles, she gained extensive experience in grid management, customer service delivery, and network performance optimisation.

According to professional profiles, Rwakakooko is a seasoned electrical engineer with expertise in utility reform, revenue enhancement, and loss reduction strategies. She has also been involved in large-scale electrification programmes aimed at expanding access to electricity across the country.

Within UEDCL, she has been part of the senior management team driving operational improvements, particularly in commercial efficiency and service delivery. She has also worked closely with regulators and government institutions on sector performance and compliance issues.

She is recently reported to have attained full registration as an engineer under the Engineering Registration framework, further strengthening her professional credentials in the sector.

Rwakakooko also comes from a family with a notable public service background. She is the daughter of Elly Rwakakooko, who served as commissioner-general of the Uganda Revenue Authority from 1997 to 2000. Elly Rwakakooko is also a cousin to the First Lady, Janet Museveni.

The Board described the leadership changes as part of efforts to reinforce governance structures while ensuring continuity in operations. It also paid tribute to outgoing Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa for his service, noting his role in steering the organisation through a period of transition.

The statement, signed by Interim Board Chairperson Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho, emphasised that the changes are not expected to disrupt electricity supply or service delivery.

“The Board assures stakeholders that UEDCL remains stable and fully operational,” the statement said, reaffirming the company’s commitment to safety, customer service, and reliable electricity distribution.

The appointment of Rwakakooko places her at the centre of Uganda’s electricity distribution system at a time when issues of network losses, infrastructure constraints, and rising demand remain key sector challenges.