The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has pledged to process all pending power applications from former UMEME customers to boost power connections across the country.
Jonan Kiiza, spokesperson and head of corporate and stakeholder affairs at UEDCL, told Bbeg Media at his office in Nakasero that UEDCL wants to tackle the backlog of 27,729 unserved applications left by the previous contractor, UMEME.
He said at the time of the takeover, UEDCL identified 116 non-functioning transformers. All have since been repaired and upgraded nationwide.
UEDCL, a government entity, assumed responsibility for electricity distribution and management on March 31, 2025, marking the end of UMEME’s 20-year concession.
In April, UEDCL worked to reconcile with UMEME to ensure a smooth transition in the management and distribution of power in Uganda.
He said UEDCL plans to hire new employees using a sequenced criteria, prioritizing former UMEME staff to address labor shortages.
In a wide-ranging interview, Kiiza emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting its reputation, having taken over six companies, with UMEME being the sixth.
He requested patience from customers as UEDCL addresses load shedding caused by broken transformers and generators.
Kiiza urged the public to hire professional technicians for power transmission and apologized for areas of underperformance.
“To manage low power supply during peak hours, customers are encouraged to use electricity during off-peak times,” he said.
Kiiza warned against staff misconduct, such as employees soliciting money without delivering services, and noted that a law is being developed to distinguish legitimate UEDCL workers from impostors.
Kiiza likened the power sector at the time of takeover to “multiple organ failure,” acknowledging that UEDCL inherited a failed system.
He said the company spent two and a half years preparing for the transition from UMEME adding that more investment is critical for repairs and effective operations, which was not adequately addressed previously.
The government reduced the UMEME buyout cost from Shs 700 billion to Shs 432 billion, the latter deemed the appropriate amount.
