UEDCL Connects Over 640,000 New Customers in Six Months After Umeme Takeover

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has made significant strides in expanding electricity access across the country, recording 648,404 new customer connections within just six months since assuming operations from Umeme in April 2025.

This milestone, announced by UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa during a meeting at the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU), underscores government’s bold decision to reclaim direct control of electricity distribution.

Strong Growth in Access and Capacity

According to Mwesigwa, UEDCL has expanded its customer base from 1.78 million to 2.43 million in half a year. Grid-connected households have also risen sharply from 1.68 million to 2.32 million.

Infrastructure upgrades have been equally impressive:

• Grid length expanded from 3,431 km to 5,140 km.
• Installed generation capacity rose from 1,362 MW to 2,049 MW.
• Energy losses reduced from 19.1% to 16.8%.

“The government took a fundamental decision to take over all privately operated concessionaires. That is a fundamental achievement, and in that regard, the government has actually scored very well,” Mwesigwa said.

Key Partnerships Driving Progress

Mwesigwa commended the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) for accrediting UEDCL, saying the move has accelerated connection times.

Other agencies at the SHIPU meeting also shared complementary achievements. The Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) highlighted progress under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), worth USD 110 million, with partnerships involving 27 financial institutions and 87 energy companies.

UECCC has so far delivered:

• 20,200 solar lanterns
• 306,000 home solar systems
• 1,190 solar-powered water pumps
• 277 solar-powered refrigerators
• 307 improved cookstoves

This outreach has particularly benefited remote districts like Mayuge and Pakwach, bridging gaps in clean energy access.

Stakeholder Reactions

At the meeting, PPDA’s Executive Director Benson Turamye cautioned that vandalism remains a major obstacle to reliable power supply, especially in rural areas.

Mr. Kule Walid from the Uganda Registration Services Bureau praised UEDCL’s smooth transition, calling the results “encouraging and worth publicising widely.”

Meanwhile, Uganda Development Forum CEO Edward Katende urged government agencies to ensure success stories are showcased on mass and digital media platforms.

Next Steps in Public Awareness

Chairing the session, Uganda Development Corporation Executive Director Patrick Birungi announced upcoming initiatives to raise visibility of government achievements.

“By the end of this month, we shall have the economic forum on NBS TV, and in mid-October, we shall host the economic summit on NTV. We are also engaging New Vision for regular development publications and plan new programs on UBC,” he said.

Conclusion

The surge in connections and infrastructure expansion within six months highlights the impact of government-led energy reform. As Uganda seeks to boost industrialisation, rural electrification, and economic growth, UEDCL’s performance is already positioning it as a central driver in the country’s energy future.