At a time when the country is experiencing electricity distribution challenges, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has appealed to the public to be patient as they work to resolve the ongoing issues.
This comes at a time when electricity distribution across the country has become unstable, with frequent power outages.
These interruptions are often caused when the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) switches off power to carry out repair and maintenance works aimed at resolving persistent issues in the power grid.
Among the key challenges being addressed are the replacement of old and overloaded transformers, the crackdown on vandalism and power theft, the removal of illegal connections, and the replacement of worn-out electricity poles, among other infrastructure concerns.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve electricity distribution, UEDCL has so far replaced over 206 faulty transformers. Additionally, the company has connected 140,000 new customers, increasing the national customer base from 1.7 million to nearly 2.4 million.
Addressing the press at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, explained that while the government and UEDCL continue to address electricity challenges across the country, the public should expect temporary inconveniences until the entire system is upgraded.
“When we talk about upgrading faulty transformers and substations, it involves switching off power temporarily as we warned during the takeover period,” she emphasized.
“The public should remain patient as we work towards achieving a stable and reliable electricity supply for all Ugandans.”
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, revealed that since UEDCL assumed full responsibility for electricity distribution, the company has undertaken several critical upgrades to improve the reliability of power supply across the country.
Among the key improvements are: expansion of the Kakiri substation from 10 to 20 megawatts, upgrade of the Kabale substation from 2.5 to 5 megawatts, enhancement of the Masaka Central substation from 5 to 7 megawatts.
These upgrades are part of a broader effort to modernize the electricity distribution network and meet the growing demand for power.
Hon. Nankabirwa emphasized that more work still lies ahead, including the replacement of overloaded transformers in key areas such as Namungoona, Mutundwe, and Kawanda substations.
She issued a strong warning to individuals involved in vandalism and power theft, noting that these acts pose a serious threat to the company’s progress and to national development.
To address illegal electricity connections and tampered meters, the minister encouraged the public to take advantage of the ongoing “WETEREEZE” campaign, which allows individuals to return tampered meters and have them replaced free of charge, without facing prosecution.
“We are giving people an opportunity to do the right thing. Return the tampered meters, stop illegal connections, and avoid the consequences that come with being caught,” she urged.
As part of long-term efforts to stabilize power supply in high-demand areas, UEDCL has also secured land for the construction of new substations.
Notable locations include: Majije, to stabilize power in Kasangati, Bugema, Nakwero among others, and Kawempe, to enhance electricity reliability for Kawempe Referral Hospital and surrounding police facilities
