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By Jumah Kakomo
Uganda’s annual energy demand has grown at an average rate of 10% over recent years, largely driven by increased industrial consumption and a rise in new customer connections. However, this growth coincided with the UMEME concession transition period, which limited capital investments in the distribution network due to short capital mobilization and investment recovery windows.
This was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre (UMC), alongside officials from Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). The briefing focused on the current state of electricity distribution services and government interventions to ensure a more reliable power supply across the country.
According to Minister Nankabirwa, the transition period led to reduced capital investments in the distribution network, affecting the reliability and quality of power supply. Since taking over full responsibility, UEDCL has undertaken a series of critical infrastructure upgrades to address these issues.
Key upgrades include:
- Expansion of the Kakiri substation from 10MW to 20MW
- Expansion of the Kabale substation from 2.5MW to 5MW
- Expansion of the Masaka Central substation from 5MW to 7MW
- Replacement of 206 faulty transformers
- Connection of 140,000 new customers
In addition, UEDCL has secured land for new substations in Magigye and Kawempe and has developed plans to:
- Refurbish nine substations
- Inject 518 new transformers into the network
- Expand 40 medium-voltage lines by the end of 2025
“Most of the new components being installed by UEDCL are sourced locally in line with the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy,” Nankabirwa said. “This not only strengthens our power sector but also supports local industries.”
However, the minister also raised concern over the ongoing challenge of vandalism, particularly in areas such as Kololo, Mukono, Kayunga, Masaka, Mpigi, Luwero, Nakasongola, Mityana, Mubende, and Mbarara. She said these acts continue to undermine infrastructure progress and cause unnecessary power outages.
“This requires a joint effort,” she urged. “I call upon all RDCs, leaders, and citizens to join me in the fight against this menace. Let us protect our infrastructure and safeguard our shared progress.”
To address power theft and unsafe connections, the government launched the “Weterezeeee Campaign,” which allows electricity users with illegal or tampered connections to regularize them without penalties. So far, over 22,937 Ugandans have responded. The campaign has now been extended until 31 October 2025.
Minister Nankabirwa also highlighted the ongoing Free Electricity Connections Policy under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), targeting “no pole” and “one pole” connection services. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in modern, resilient, and sustainable electricity infrastructure.
Finally, she announced that the government has approved UEDCL’s five-year investment strategy, which will see continued investment in the distribution network to match the country’s growing electricity demand with enhanced generation and transmission capacity.
