The UEDCL new electricity connection line will officially launch next week. This marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s ongoing transition in energy distribution. The announcement came during a Baraza organized by Kigo Thinkers and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA). The event took place at ERA House in the industrial area.
Mr. Protaze Tibyakinura, Chief Operations Officer at UEDCL, confirmed the plan. He said UEDCL is fully equipped and financially ready to handle electricity distribution. The company took over from Umeme just two weeks ago.
“For April until today, we’ve focused on restoring power and stabilizing the network,” Tibyakinura said. “Next week, we’ll begin new electricity connections. We have all the materials and have started distributing them to our local offices.”
Tibyakinura addressed concerns about pending connection requests left by Umeme. He assured the public that those who had completed all requirements would get connected without extra charges. “If you met the conditions before the handover, you will not pay again,” he emphasized.
Since the takeover, UEDCL has prioritized restoring service and reducing outages. Company leaders say their goal is to build public trust and improve overall service delivery.
ERA Executive Director Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako also spoke at the event. She assured Ugandans that UEDCL is financially supported and capable of investment. “UEDCL has the backing to invest just like Umeme did,” she said. “The shareholders are strong, and recovery is already happening.”
She added that ERA’s role is to ensure UEDCL performs well and even surpasses Umeme. One of UEDCL’s immediate goals is to reduce energy losses from 16% to 14.59% within nine months.
Mr. Blessing Nshaho, Chief Corporate and Regulatory Officer at Umeme, highlighted the company’s achievements during its concession. He said Umeme grew its customer base from 250,000 to 2.2 million. The company also reduced energy losses from 38% to 16% and increased revenue from UGX 160 billion to UGX 2.5 trillion annually.
Electricity expert Dr. Frank Ssebbowa reflected on the power sector’s journey. He described Uganda’s shift from chaos to continental recognition. He acknowledged that although the Umeme agreement had a high cost, it was necessary at the time.
With the UEDCL new electricity connection line set to launch next week, communities across Uganda can expect expanded access and improved service. UEDCL aims to prove that public management can deliver reliable electricity, timely connections, and long-term value.
