A fresh call for accountability has been made over Uganda’s electricity supply, with UEDCL facing criticism over alleged connection delays, rising power losses and the cost of electricity despite the country’s growing generation capacity.
The transition from Umeme to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) was expected to usher in a new era of reliable and affordable electricity for Ugandans. However, concerns are emerging over whether the change has delivered the improvements consumers were promised.
In a strongly worded statement titled “UMEME VS UEDCL: Ugandans Deserve Light, Not Excuses,” the author argues that many households and businesses continue to struggle with electricity access, raising questions about the performance and accountability of the state-owned distributor.
The statement comes more than a year after the government took over electricity distribution operations from Umeme on April 1, 2025.
Connection Delays and Power Losses Under Scrutiny
The author questions UEDCL’s reported financial collections of UGX 1.71 trillion and its announcement of 236,000 new electricity connections, arguing that these figures do not reflect the experiences of all consumers.
According to the statement, approximately 400,000 Ugandans who have paid for electricity connections are still waiting to be connected, with some reportedly having poles installed but lacking meters, transformers or completed wiring.
The author is demanding that UEDCL publish a district-by-district list of pending connections and clear the alleged backlog within 90 days.
Concerns have also been raised about electricity distribution losses, which the statement claims have increased from 15 per cent to 19 per cent. The author argues that such losses contribute to the financial burden on consumers and calls for greater transparency in the management of public electricity infrastructure.
The figures and allegations presented in the statement have not been independently verified for this report.
Electricity Exports Versus Domestic Demand
The statement also questions Uganda’s decision to export electricity to neighbouring countries while some domestic consumers continue to experience unreliable supply or lack access altogether.
Uganda has invested heavily in electricity generation infrastructure, including the Karuma, Isimba and Bujagali power plants. The author argues that the country should prioritise ensuring reliable electricity for local households, manufacturers and small businesses alongside its regional power trade.
The statement cites 254 million units of electricity reportedly sold to Kenya over the past year, describing the increase in exports as a concern when Ugandan businesses are still struggling with supply challenges.
It specifically highlights the difficulties faced by welders, salon operators and maize millers, whose businesses depend on consistent electricity to operate and remain competitive.
The author maintains that electricity exports should not come at the expense of domestic industrialisation and wider access to power.
Why Is Electricity Still Expensive?
Another major concern raised in the statement is the cost of electricity to Ugandan consumers.
The author argues that Uganda’s relatively low generation costs should translate into more affordable power for households and businesses. However, consumers continue to face substantial electricity bills, with distribution losses and other costs cited as possible contributing factors.
The statement compares electricity prices in Uganda with those in Tanzania and Kenya, questioning why Ugandans should continue to struggle with affordability when the country has invested in major generation projects.
It calls for greater scrutiny of the factors determining electricity tariffs, including distribution costs, system losses and the financial performance of the electricity sector.
Four Demands for UEDCL and Government
The author has outlined four key demands aimed at improving electricity distribution and restoring public confidence in the sector.
Clear the connection backlog: Publish a district-by-district list of pending connections and resolve the alleged backlog within 90 days.
Prioritise domestic consumers: Ensure that electricity exports do not undermine reliable and affordable supply for Ugandan households and businesses.
Audit public funds: Ask Parliament to commission a forensic audit of the reported UGX 1.71 trillion in collections and establish how the money has been utilised.
Strengthen professional management: End politically driven appointments in the electricity sector and ensure that qualified technical professionals oversee operations.
Calls for Stronger Legal and Policy Measures
Drawing on experience studying law and fiscal policy, the author further calls for recommendations on electricity distribution to be translated into enforceable legal obligations.
The proposed approach would seek to establish clearer standards for connection timelines, accountability, service reliability and the use of public resources.
The statement concludes that Ugandans expected the transition to UEDCL to deliver affordable, dependable and accessible electricity, not simply replace one operator with another.
It also warns that persistent service delivery challenges could undermine public confidence in the country’s broader development ambitions.
For the author, the ultimate test of the transition is straightforward: consumers who have paid for electricity should receive the service, while households and businesses should be able to depend on a reliable supply.
Highlights and Takeaway Points
- Uganda’s transition from Umeme to UEDCL on April 1, 2025, is facing renewed scrutiny over electricity access and service delivery.
- The statement alleges that approximately 400,000 customers remain unconnected despite paying for electricity.
- UEDCL’s reported collections of UGX 1.71 trillion and 236,000 new connections are cited in calls for greater transparency.
- Alleged distribution losses of 19 per cent have raised questions about efficiency and costs.
- Electricity exports to neighbouring countries have prompted calls to balance regional trade with domestic demand.
- The author wants a 90-day plan to clear pending connections, a parliamentary forensic audit and stronger legal accountability.
Key takeaway: The debate over Uganda’s electricity sector is shifting beyond who manages distribution to whether consumers are receiving reliable, affordable power. The author argues that the success of the transition to UEDCL should ultimately be measured by connections delivered, reduced losses, transparent financial management and improved service for Ugandans.