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UEDCL targets 225,000 new power connections

Peter 30th May, 2025 Energy Pedson Mumbere
UEDCL targets 225,000 new power connections

As part of its network overhaul, UEDCL has completed the replacement of 116 faulty transformers inherited from Umeme.


The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has embarked on an ambitious plan to add up to 225,000 new electricity connections across the country within the next eight months, signalling a new era in power distribution since acquiring the distribution license last year.

Paul Mwesigwa, UEDCL’s Managing Director, told journalists at a briefing on Wednesday that the utility resumed new connections in mid-April 2025, starting with three-phase and no-pole household connections.

“Our connection teams are on the ground, and we have the required meters in stock,” he said, adding that the online application system is fully functional, eliminating the need for middlemen.

  • As part of its network overhaul, UEDCL has completed the replacement of 116 faulty transformers inherited during the takeover on April 1, 2025. These transformers, ranging from 25kVA to 1MVA, were replaced in various parts of the country, significantly improving power reliability in affected communities.

To further strengthen the distribution system, UEDCL launched planned nationwide power shutdowns starting in May 2025. This coincided with scheduled maintenance by UETCL at major substations including Mutundwe, Namanve, Kawanda, Nkenda, and Mbarara North, aimed at upgrading the backbone of Uganda’s electricity infrastructure.

With a UGX 274 billion capital investment budget approved by ERA for 2025, UEDCL is set to refurbish old lines, construct new substations, and install over 518 transformers in high-demand areas before the year ends. “The goal is to build a robust, future-ready distribution network that meets growing consumer demand,” noted Mr. Kiiza, a senior official at UEDCL.

  • In an effort to fast-track electrification and expand access to power, UEDCL has activated 100 service centers across Uganda, with 96% of staff already onboarded and deployed following a mass recruitment drive.

The remaining 4% of required expertise will be sourced externally, with employees currently undergoing intensive training at the Njeru training center a facility now fully operational and focused on skills development, change management, and cultural alignment.

To enhance customer service, UEDCL has launched a 24/7 contact center and digital touchpoints across various platforms including X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Instagram. Customers can now pay their electricity bills using all telecom networks, banks, mobile banking apps, and other digital channels, anytime and anywhere.

“We will be wherever our consumers are,” Mwesigwa emphasized, highlighting the utility’s commitment to digitally empowering customers and streamlining service delivery.

Despite these strides, UEDCL is grappling with a surge in vandalism and illegal power connections, which have raised operational costs and safety risks. In its first month of operations, the company reported nine vandalism incidents in Nakasongola and Luwero, with more cases emerging from Mityana and Mukono.

  • “These actions are damaging to our reputation and have caused prolonged outages in affected areas,” Mwesigwa lamented.
  • To curb the vice, UEDCL is working closely with security agencies and the public, urging citizens to report incidents via toll-free lines 0800203088, 0800285285, and 0800385385, or through local authorities and media channels. In addition, community barazas are planned in Wabigalo, Kakoge, Katugo, and Nakasongola starting next week to strengthen community vigilance and public awareness.

"The journey has just begun," said Mwesigwa, calling for public patience and continued support as the utility works to stabilize the electricity network and deliver reliable, efficient, and secure power distribution services to Ugandans.

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