The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has recorded a major milestone, adding more than 648,000 new customers to the national grid in just six months since taking over operations from former private concessionaire Umeme.
The figures were revealed by UEDCL Managing Director, Mr. Paul Mwesigwa, during the State House Investors’ Protection Unit (SHIPU) weekly meeting held on Tuesday.
According to Mr. Mwesigwa, the number of electricity connections rose from 1,782,085 in April to 2,430,489 by mid-September. 
“This is a fundamental achievement; in that regard, the government has actually scored very well. The government took a fundamental decision to take over all the privately operated concessionaires,” said Mr. Mwesigwa.
Key Achievements in Six Months
Household connections: Grid-connected households have grown significantly, from 1,687,267 to 2,327,898.
Grid expansion: Grid length has increased from 3,431 km to 5,140 km.
Generation capacity: Installed generation capacity rose from 1,362 MW to 2,049 MW.
Energy losses: Losses dropped from 19.1% to 16.8%.
Mr. Mwesigwa attributed part of the success to streamlined procurement processes. He commended the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) for accrediting UEDCL, noting that the move “has enhanced the speed of making new connections, which he says are now much faster.” 
Renewable Energy Push
The meeting also highlighted progress by the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), represented by senior specialist Mr. Desmond Tutu Opio. He reaffirmed the agency’s mandate to scale renewable energy solutions across the country.
“We were meant to reduce the share of biomass energy used for cooking from 86% in the Financial Year (FY) 18/19 to 50% by 2025. We are targeting to reach over 353,000 households,” Mr. Opio said.
He added that UECCC, under the EASP project’s USD 110 million subsidy scheme, has partnered with 27 financial institutions and 87 energy companies, deploying over sh134 billion to lower the cost of solar equipment. Achievements include distribution of 20,200 solar lanterns, 306,000 home systems, 307 biomass cookstoves, 1,190 solar-powered water pumps and 277 solar-powered refrigerators in rural districts like Mayuge and Pakwach.
Concerns and Recommendations
PPDA’s Executive Director, Mr. Benson Turamye, raised the issue of vandalism as a key challenge undermining rural power access. “It is a takeaway that needs follow-up,” he said.
URSB’s Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Kule Walid, praised UEDCL’s progress, calling the swift takeover and immediate results “really encouraging.” He added: “This great achievement needs to be publicised on all mass media for the government to be visible.”
Uganda Development Forum CEO, Mr. Edward Katende, stressed the need for government success stories to be broken down and shared widely.
Media Engagement Ahead
Chairing the meeting, Uganda Development Corporation’s Executive Director, Mr. Patrick Birungi, underscored the need for wider public engagement.
“By the end of this month, we shall have the economic forum on NBS TV, and in mid-October, we shall have the economic summit on NTV,” he said.
He added that discussions were underway with New Vision for a regular development column, alongside plans for more programs on the national broadcaster, UBC.
