By Wakibi Iddi
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has launched a nationwide stakeholder engagement drive to address electricity supply challenges, improve service delivery and strengthen community involvement in protecting power infrastructure.
The initiative began in Kira Municipality, where local leaders, security agencies and communities met with UEDCL officials to discuss ongoing infrastructure projects, explain supply challenges and identify measures to improve the reliability of electricity supply.
Isaac Katewanga, the Acting Chief Commercial and Operations Services Officer, said the engagements were intended to strengthen communication between UEDCL and electricity consumers.
“We are engaging with local leaders to explain the causes of the current supply interruptions, provide information on ongoing projects, listen to their concerns and identify areas for collaboration,” Katewanga said.
He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by power outages, saying UEDCL was implementing immediate interventions alongside long-term investments to address network constraints and accommodate rising electricity demand.
One of the major projects is the upgrade of the transformer at Kawanda Substation, which is expected to ease capacity constraints affecting the Naalya and Kyaliwajala 11kV feeders. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
UEDCL has also started splitting the Seeta and Bukerere 11kV feeders to reduce congestion, improve voltage stability and enable faster restoration of power supply.
Other interventions include installing additional transformers, replacing overloaded units with higher-capacity equipment and repairing damaged poles and conductors.
Samson Tondo, the Head of Engineering Services for the Central Region, said the interventions would benefit more than 80,000 customers in Kira, Namugongo, Kyaliwajala, Bulindo, Kitukutwe, Nsasa, Nabusugwe, Naalya, Kasangati, Najjera, Kitikifumba, Nakwero, Kijabijjo, Bukerere, Sonde and neighbouring areas.
Tondo said UEDCL was also working with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to support plans to increase Greater Kampala’s transmission capacity from approximately 80MW to 200MW.
Long-term projects include the construction of the Magigye, Kigo and Nakasero substations and upgrades at Kireka, Busunju, Kakiri, Mubende-Kanyantogoro, Jinja Industrial, Kabaale and Mbale.
UEDCL also plans to refurbish electricity lines in Mityana, Masaka, Kasese, Ishaka and other areas.
The utility urged communities to help protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism, which disrupts supply and affects essential services.
Jessica Zziwa, the Head of Commercial and Operations Services for the Central Region, warned customers against fraudsters involved in new electricity connections.
“We encourage customers to pay for new connections directly to UEDCL through our accredited partner banks and mobile payment platforms. Do not pay cash to anyone promising to speed up your connection,” Zziwa said.
She urged customers to report suspected fraud through UEDCL’s whistleblower number, 0312330377, or to the nearest police station.
The meeting attracted more than 100 local leaders, including SSP Justus Tashobya, the Regional Police Commander for Kampala East, who pledged security support to combat vandalism.
“We shall continue to work with UEDCL to ensure that perpetrators of vandalism and other offences are identified and apprehended,” Tashobya said.
Moses Haumba, the Mayor of Namugongo Division, welcomed the engagement, saying it provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between UEDCL, local leaders and communities.
“Such engagements are important in addressing challenges affecting service delivery and ensuring that communities play an active role in protecting the electricity distribution infrastructure,” Haumba said.
The nationwide engagement campaign is expected to strengthen coordination between UEDCL, local leaders, security agencies and consumers as the utility implements projects aimed at improving electricity supply reliability and reducing disruptions.