Business 4 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UEDCL Crisis: Overloaded Networks and Ageing Infrastructure Lead to Top Leadership Sackings
The dismissal of UEDCL's board chairperson and managing director exposes severe operational challenges, including a mismatch between rising electricity generation and an overstretched distribution network plagued by outdated equipment and frequent outages. An internal report highlights urgent needs for upgrades amid growing demand and mounting losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/the-troubles-at-uedcl-that-got-bosses-sacked-5445982
The recent sacking of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL)‘s top executives has spotlighted deep-rooted issues in the country’s power distribution system. Board chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo was dismissed, and Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa was placed on forced leave on May 2, with interim leaders appointed to stabilize operations.
An April 21 internal UEDCL report reveals a utility strained by ageing infrastructure and surging demand. Electricity generation hit 7,827.5GWh in 2025, up 19% from 2024, fueled by domestic needs and exports, yet the distribution network can’t keep pace. Nearly 40% of infrastructure is beyond its lifespan, causing outages, power fluctuations, and overloaded transformers.
Assessments show 36 of 94 transformers critically loaded, 47% over 30 years old, and 12% of 26,577 distribution transformers overloaded. Substations like Mutundwe (130% capacity) and Busunju (124%) exceed safe limits, violating industry standards. Feeders such as Namugongo and Kigo are also heavily burdened, leading to constant disruptions.
From May 2025 to March 2026, outages totaled 4,486 hours, costing 20.75GWh or Shs12.33 billion in losses. Energy losses hovered around 18-19%, far above the 13.65% target, despite customer numbers rising to 2.76 million and demand jumping 28.5% to 1,217.7MW.
Transmission issues from Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) worsen the situation, with frequent faults on lines like Mbarara North-Kabale causing load shedding and 6.93GWh unsupplied energy in 2025. UEDCL urged the Ministry of Energy for funding to upgrade networks and support the Free Connections Policy.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa framed the leadership changes as routine governance steps to boost performance, amid concerns over losses post-Umeme handover in April 2025.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)