Just two months after resuming full-scale power distribution, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is rolling out an ambitious plan to connect 225,000 new customers to the national grid within the next eight months.
The initiative is being hailed as a potential game-changer for small businesses and households, many of which have long struggled with limited or unreliable electricity access.
This development comes just 57 days after UEDCL officially regained full distribution responsibilities under a new license granted on December 31, 2024.
Since then, the utility has moved swiftly—revamping infrastructure, deploying staff, introducing motorcycle-equipped emergency response teams, and digitizing services—in what officials describe as a complete overhaul in utility service delivery.
“The meters are in stock, the teams are on the ground, and the system is fully digital. There’s no need for brokers anymore—people can apply directly online,” said Paul Mwesigwa, UEDCL Managing Director.
A Boost for Households and Quality of Life
For households, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, the mass rollout could significantly improve quality of life. Reliable access to electricity will allow families to power lights, charge phones, and use household appliances. Children will benefit from better lighting for studying at night, while households can move away from costly and hazardous alternatives like candles and kerosene, thereby enhancing health and safety.
The new digital application system also promises a simpler, more affordable connection process—eliminating intermediaries and streamlining customer experiences.
Catalyzing Growth for Small Enterprises
For small businesses—especially in retail, hospitality, light manufacturing, and agro-processing—access to stable electricity could be transformational. It will reduce reliance on expensive fuel-powered generators, enable longer business hours, and support the use of modern equipment. These improvements could significantly boost productivity and enable digital transactions and e-commerce adoption.
“With a stable grid and rapid response teams, we’re trying to give SMEs the confidence to grow without worrying about outages or connection delays,” said Joselynne Rwabwogo, UEDCL’s Commercial Officer.
What UEDCL Has Achieved So Far
The company reports substantial progress in the short time since resuming operations:
- Three-phase and no-pole household connections began in mid-April.
- 100 service centers are now operational nationwide.
- 96% of newly hired staff have been deployed; the remaining positions will be externally sourced.
- Teams are being trained in technical operations and customer service at the Njeru Training Center.
- All 116 faulty transformers inherited in April—ranging from 25kVA to 1MVA—have been replaced, stabilizing power in key regions.
“These ranged from 25kVA to 1MVA, and their replacement has stabilized power supply in key regions,” said Mwesigwa.
UEDCL has committed $74 million (UGX 274 billion) in capital expenditure for its first year, targeting major improvements such as:
- Construction of new substations
- Refurbishment of existing power lines
- Installation of 518 new transformers in high-demand areas
- Enhanced coordination with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL) to manage planned outages at major substations including Mutundwe, Namanve, Kawanda, Nkenda, and Mbarara North
“We understand the frustration of blackouts, but we’re laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient grid,” said Jonan Kiiza, Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs. “This is a necessary pain for long-term gain.”
Challenges and Community Engagement
Despite the momentum, UEDCL faces persistent challenges. Vandalism and illegal connections have already surfaced as costly threats, with notable incidents in Nakasongola, Luwero, Mityana, and Mukono.
“This is driving up costs and putting lives at risk,” said Kiiza.
To counter these issues, the company has launched public barazas—community forums aimed at raising awareness and promoting accountability. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to engage with communities and encourage shared responsibility for infrastructure protection.
Additionally, UEDCL has introduced a rapid response model to improve service reliability. Emergency teams equipped with motorcycles are now stationed to quickly navigate traffic and respond to outages, especially in congested urban areas.
With 225,000 new connections planned by year’s end, UEDCL’s rollout could mark a significant turning point for underserved communities and Uganda’s micro-economy. Reliable and accessible electricity isn’t just about power—it’s about progress, productivity, and unlocking potential.
As infrastructure upgrades continue and digital systems streamline service delivery, both households and entrepreneurs may finally experience the kind of dependable utility service that powers real, lasting change.