TODAY, in a bold step toward the future and destiny of Uganda’s electrification, the Ministry of Energy has officially handed over two licenses to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited to pave the way for the corporation to assume responsibility for selling and distributing electricity on the national grid. This move is part of a wider transition plan where UEDCL will take up power distribution operations currently managed by Umeme, which held the concession for the last 20 years. The switch will happen when the concession for Umeme expires in March 2025.

This decision follows the government’s stance not to renew any expiring distribution licenses held by private companies. While this changeover has caused a degree of apprehension among sections of the public, the leadership of UEDCL has tried to reassure Ugandans that the transition will be smooth and that they will continue to enjoy reliable electricity services.

UEDCL Takes Over: Smooth Transition Assured

The chairman of the UEDCL’s board, Francis Tumuheirwe, was present to address public concerns on this day, as he led the official handover of the licenses. He assured the people that UEDCL is ready for the power distribution responsibilities following the expiry of Umeme’s contract. He said it was because of the experience UEDCL had in managing the concession earlier on.

“We want to assure Ugandans that the change from Umeme to UEDCL will be smooth. All the necessary conditions and plans are in place to ensure we continue to provide reliable power,” said Tumuheirwe. His assurance is meant to dispel concerns that a government company might not be ready to take over power distribution from a private firm that has been operating for many years.

UEDCL’s Preparedness to Operate Electricity Distribution

Tumuheirwe has also pointed out the successful track record of UEDCL’s management of other concessions and provision of electricity services out of the major urban centers. He emphasized that for over 20 years, UEDCL has been in operation for power distribution in less densely populated regions. The experience and success the company has enjoyed in the areas, he argued, made it well-equipped to operate power distribution across the whole country.

“We’ve been managing electricity distribution in rural areas for many years. We have the expertise, and we know what it takes to ensure the power keeps flowing,” said Tumuheirwe. “We are confident that, just like before, Ugandans will continue to enjoy consistent electricity at home and at their workplaces.”

Attributed to this added responsibility of the Umeme distribution network, UEDCL intends to expand access, improve the quality of service and the reliability of the power supply across the country. It also guarantees that such a transition must not have adverse effects on the delivery of electricity to the consumer.

Government Confidence in UEDCL

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa said she had full confidence in UEDCL’s ability to manage the power distribution network. She noted that the company has managed key hydropower dams in Uganda, including Nalubaale, Kiira, Isimba, and Karuma, adding that these critical infrastructure assets are managed by UEDCL, hence giving her more confidence that it can handle the broader responsibility of electricity distribution.

They have assured me that they are fully ready for the task. As government, we are not worried about the transition since UEDCL is well-prepared, ” Nankabirwa said.

The Minister added that the meetings are taking place so as to ensure that the workers in both Umeme and UEDCL are kept in the transition process. It would be a way through which continuity is ensured and duties are transferred smoothly with a minimal chance of disruptions occurring during the changeover.

Key Targets for UEDCL’s New Role

Under the new mandate, UEDCL has set ambitious targets to increase the number of electricity connections in Uganda. The company is targeting the creation of 400,000 new connections annually, an average of 30,000 new connections per month. This goal aligns with the government’s broader vision to expand access to electricity and improve the standard of living for Ugandans.

Besides expanding access, Minister Nankabirwa noted that UEDCL needed to ensure that power was available and also affordable for all Ugandans. “We have got to ensure that every Ugandan, whether in urban or rural areas, has access to affordable, reliable, and quality power,” she said. This has been termed a giant step toward the realization of the government’s goals for long-term development, in as much as electricity is basic to industrial growth, just as it significantly improves the quality of life for the populace.

Public Concerns Over Power Distribution

Despite the reassurances by UEDCL and government officials, some members of the public have expressed concern over the capability of a government-owned entity to effectively manage power distribution at a national level. Critics fear that UEDCL may struggle to maintain the quality and efficiency of service that was provided by Umeme, especially in densely populated urban centers where demand for electricity is high.

However, Tumuheirwe promised the public that UEDCL is equal to the task in providing adequate electricity supplies and said that a system was in place to handle workload efficiently. “We have technical expertise and infrastructure to manage this mandate. Our attention is not to have one person left in the dark,” he promised again.

The Future: New Power Distribution Era in Uganda

With the clock ticking toward the expiration of Umeme’s concession in March 2025, both UEDCL and the government are gearing up toward a major shift in Uganda’s power distribution landscape. While there might be some challenges during the transition, steps being taken for continuity in service, on top of UEDCL’s experience and commitment toward expansion in access to electricity, will help them navigate through this change quite smoothly.

Takeover by UEDCL thus offers new life for the electricity sector in Uganda, and this, with support from the government coupled with prudent planning, is sure to translate to improved reliability and coverage in the country’s power distribution.

The energy sector, now fully in the hands of the government, is expected to establish an efficient and equitable system of power distribution that could serve to fire economic growth and productivity in industry and increase living standards across the country.