UEDCL MD Paul Mwesigwa Assures Ugandans of Uninterrupted Electricity Services During Handover Ceremony
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Mwesigwa detailed UEDCL’s extensive experience in managing electricity distribution, having successfully taken over five concessions over the past two decades.
In a landmark event marking the transition of electricity distribution services from Umeme Limited to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa reassured the nation that access to electricity services would remain uninterrupted. He emphasized that all service centers would remain operational to serve Ugandans seamlessly.
Speaking at the official handover ceremony, Mwesigwa detailed UEDCL’s extensive experience in managing electricity distribution, having successfully taken over five concessions over the past two decades. These include Ferdisult Engineering Limited (2017), Bundibugyo Energy Cooperative Society (BECS, 2021), Pader Abim Community Multi-Purpose Energy Society (PACMECS, 2023), Kyegegwa Rural Energy Cooperative Society Limited (KRECS, 2024), and Kilembe Investments Limited (2024).
Mwesigwa stated that these takeovers have equipped UEDCL with the expertise necessary to manage the sixth and largest concession, taking over from Umeme.
“Resultantly, business in all service territories taken over has grown and services improved, making them sustainable. For example, when we took over Ferdisult in 2017, the electricity energy loss target was 28%, and today, we stand at 18.1%,” he noted.
He emphasized that UEDCL’s business philosophy revolves around five key areas: connecting customers, ensuring power availability, managing energy losses, collecting revenue efficiently, and promoting safety. According to Mwesigwa, strict adherence to these principles has positioned UEDCL as a reliable government-owned power utility committed to transforming the power distribution sector.
The transition follows the Ministry of Energy’s decision in January to grant UEDCL electricity distribution and sale licenses to replace Umeme Ltd, effective April 1, 2025. The government had opted against renewing expiring distribution licenses held by private companies, including Umeme's 20-year concession that expired on March 31, 2025.
Mwesigwa highlighted that UEDCL immediately embarked on preparations upon receiving the licenses. He confirmed that all critical procurements—both network and non-network requirements—had commenced to guarantee business continuity after Umeme’s exit.
“We are grateful that shareholders approved a staff structure of 2,712 in December. On January 6, 2025, we embarked on recruitments, and as of today, at least 99.6% of the employees in respect of this structure have been appointed. The remaining 0.4%—about 11 employees—will be finalized by close of business today,” he assured.
Addressing concerns regarding the continuity of ICT systems, Mwesigwa confirmed that all existing systems used by both Umeme and UEDCL would be maintained to prevent service disruptions.
“All systems (in Umeme and UEDCL) shall be maintained. These are on our ledger, and we shall continue deploying them until the time when we merge them without interrupting service delivery. Buying electricity units and accessing other services will remain uninterrupted through existing channels such as MTN & Airtel mobile money platforms, banks, and other collection platforms,” he stated.
He further assured customers that electricity units purchased before Umeme’s exit would remain valid even after the transition.
Mwesigwa also addressed concerns regarding the physical infrastructure and assets previously under Umeme’s management. He confirmed that all offices formerly operated by Umeme would remain open under UEDCL’s management. Additionally, all vehicles, motorcycles, trucks, vans, SUVs, and other mobile equipment previously owned by Umeme would revert to UEDCL.
“Honorable Ministers, the respective logbooks for all these assets are at UEDCL Tower, and we shall ensure that all are reconciled before the final transition day,” he noted.
The successful handover from Umeme to UEDCL marks a significant shift in Uganda’s power distribution landscape. With Mwesigwa at the helm, UEDCL has positioned itself as a trustworthy and capable utility provider, committed to ensuring improved service delivery, sustainability, and seamless access to electricity for all Ugandans.
As the transition officially takes effect, Ugandans can remain assured that UEDCL’s leadership will maintain the momentum in delivering reliable electricity services nationwide.
