UEDCL Addresses Persistent Power Outages and Outlines Fixes

Power consumers across Uganda continue to grapple with persistent blackouts that disrupt daily routines and commercial activities. In response to the growing public outcry, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Acting Managing Director Joselynne Rwabwogo has conceded that the utility must take full responsibility for resolving these challenges rather than simply offering explanations.

The utility attributes the current supply instability largely to the condition of the distribution network inherited from Umeme when its concession concluded. Officials noted that during the final years of the previous concession, reinvestment dropped significantly. Meanwhile, domestic and industrial electricity demand surged at an average of 12.7 percent annually, placing immense strain on already overloaded lines and aging equipment.

Furthermore, thousands of deteriorated electricity poles across the country require urgent replacement. Many of these weak structures have collapsed during heavy storms, exacerbating outages and leaving a backlog of hundreds of thousands of applicants awaiting new power connections.

Political scrutiny has also mounted, with leaders demanding swift action to improve grid reliability. Rwabwogo emphasized that UEDCL is actively collaborating with the government and sector partners to accelerate network rehabilitation projects. The utility is also prioritizing better communication with consumers during unexpected interruptions.

While substantial upgrades will take time to fully materialize, UEDCL maintains that its ultimate measure of success will be dependable power delivery, reduced outage frequencies, and improved industrial growth support across the country.

Read more details on the Nile Post.