Business 7 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
UEDCL Faces Scrutiny a Year After Umeme Exit Amidst Performance Reviews
One year after taking over electricity distribution from Umeme, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is under review, with the Managing Director asked to step aside pending investigations into performance and procurement delays. While revenue collection has surged, service delivery remains a key concern. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/power-shift-one-year-after-umeme-exit-uedcl-faces-scrutiny--5450848
It has been just over a year since the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) assumed electricity distribution responsibilities, following the conclusion of Umeme’s 20-year concession. At UEDCL’s 21st Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2026, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Ruth Nankabirwa, addressed the company’s performance.
Minister Nankabirwa reported that the Auditor General gave a “fair” assessment of UEDCL’s financial statements. She highlighted a significant increase in revenue collection, from Shs111.3 billion to Shs669.5 billion, attributing this growth to network expansion.
Despite these financial gains, the minister acknowledged existing challenges in service access and response times, mentioning procurement delays and issues with some local suppliers. She emphasized the need to address these gaps to improve customer satisfaction.
The company is undergoing a reorganization, including the integration of approximately 1,800 former Umeme employees, to ensure specialized personnel manage different operational areas. Minister Nankabirwa expressed optimism for improved performance within the next 30 to 100 days.
Questions regarding the absence of the Managing Director were also raised. Ms. Nankabirwa confirmed an acting MD is in place while an inquiry into the MD’s performance, particularly concerning service delivery and procurement processes, continues. She urged staff to remain calm and focused.
UEDCL continues to navigate challenges such as power outages and financial pressures, including taxation. The remaining integration of assets from Umeme is also ongoing, described by the minister as a justifiable loss.