By Caroline N.
Uganda’s electricity distribution network is expected to achieve significant stability within the next two years, according to the Managing Director of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Mr Paul Mwesigwa. The assurance comes at a time when consumers across the country continue to raise concerns about persistent power outages, voltage fluctuations, and delays in network upgrades, particularly in rural and newly connected areas.
Mr Mwesigwa attributed the current challenges to ageing infrastructure, inadequate distribution capacity, and ongoing expansion works under the government’s Electricity Access Scale-Up Project. However, he emphasised that major investments are already underway to modernise the grid, improve reliability, and reduce technical losses.
“We acknowledge the frustrations that consumers face, especially in areas where network equipment is old or overloaded. But there is clear progress. With the current interventions, we project that stability across most parts of the network will be fully realised within the next two years,” he said.
Mr Mwesigwa explained that UEDCL, working with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and development partners, has embarked on a nationwide programme to replace dilapidated lines, upgrade transformers, and automate sections of the grid. Key installations in high-demand districts have already begun, with more planned for 2026–2027.
He highlighted that over 1,500km of distribution lines are either being refurbished or reconstructed under various government-funded energy projects. Additionally, UEDCL is expanding maintenance teams and adopting modern technologies such as remote fault detection systems aimed at reducing outage response time.
In recent years, Uganda has registered an increase in electricity generation capacity, with new hydropower and solar plants coming online. However, distribution infrastructure has not expanded at the same pace, resulting in bottlenecks that affect supply stability.
“Generation is no longer the biggest problem. We now have to ensure that the power produced can be delivered efficiently and reliably to households, factories, health facilities, and schools. That is where our primary focus lies,” Mr Mwesigwa noted.
Industries and businesses have repeatedly called for urgent improvements to electricity supply, arguing that frequent outages raise operational costs and undermine productivity. The Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), in earlier statements, stressed that a stable grid is essential for industrial growth and for attracting investors into sectors such as agro-processing, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, and steel.
UEDCL’s assurance comes amid government efforts to increase electricity access to 60 per cent of the population by 2030. Achieving this target will require both expanded connections and dependable service quality.
Mr Mwesigwa further revealed that the company is collaborating with the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) to ensure that network upgrades align with national standards and long-term energy plans. He added that new guidelines have been issued to contractors to ensure improved workmanship and the use of certified materials during line construction.
“In the past, we encountered quality issues from some contractors, which contributed to faults and outages. We have strengthened supervision, and any contractor who fails to meet the required standards will not be tolerated,” he emphasised.
Despite the ongoing improvements, the UEDCL boss urged consumers to be patient as some works may require planned shutdowns to allow safe replacement of infrastructure. He encouraged the public to report faults promptly to regional service centres to ensure timely intervention.
Energy experts welcomed the announcement but cautioned that achieving full stability will require consistent funding, proper maintenance, and continued investment in modern technologies. They also highlighted the need for public awareness on safe electricity usage and protection of public infrastructure from vandalism, which remains a major challenge.
As Uganda’s demand for electricity continues to rise, the next two years will be critical for strengthening the backbone of the national distribution system. For now, consumers will watch closely to see whether UEDCL delivers on its promise of a more reliable and resilient power network.