Today marks a historic transition in Uganda’s electricity distribution sector as UMEME Limited officially hands over assets and operations to Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
This handover comes after completion of a 20-year concession agreement between the Government of Uganda and UMEME Limited, which began in 2005. As of April 1, 2025, UEDCL, a government-owned entity assumes full responsibility for the sale and distribution of electricity at and below 33 kilovolts in accordance with licenses issued by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
Ensuring Seamless Service Delivery
Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, assured Ugandans that this transition will not disrupt electricity services. She emphasised that the Yaka prepaid system, which is government-owned, will continue operating seamlessly, allowing customers to purchase electricity units through existing telecom and collection platforms.
Furthermore, a rebranding effort accompanies this transition. The familiar “Yaka” name will now be replaced with “Light” under UEDCL. Customers will find “UEDCL Light” on all telecom payment menus, ensuring continuity in accessing electricity services without interruption.
Enhancing Electricity Infrastructure
To address longstanding challenges in electricity distribution, UEDCL has laid out an ambitious plan for infrastructure improvements. Eng. Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, reiterated that UEDCL is committed to upgrading the power network. The company will immediately embark on repairs to critical installations, increase the number of transformers and substations, and replace aging infrastructure such as rotten and leaning poles.
She described the transition as The Big Switch, emphasising that it is more than just a management change—it represents a commitment to improved service delivery in line with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s 2021-2026 manifesto.
A Strong Workforce & System Integration
The Managing Director of UEDCL, Paul Mwesigwa highlighted that the company is well-prepared to take over operations, with the necessary workforce and technological systems in place. He revealed that out of the approved staff structure of 2,712 employees, 99.6% have already been appointed, with the remaining 0.4% expected to be finalised by the end of today.
Additionally, all ICT systems used by UMEME and UEDCL will be maintained during the transition. These systems will continue to operate without interruption, ensuring smooth service delivery until a full integration process is completed.
Continuity of Customer Service
To reassure customers, UEDCL has confirmed that all service centers previously operated by Umeme will remain open. Of the 51 service centers across the country, 26 belong to UEDCL and will naturally revert to the company. For the remaining rented offices, UEDCL has already engaged landlords to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Revised Electricity Tariffs Effective April 1, 2025
As part of the new electricity distribution framework under UEDCL, revised electricity tariffs will take effect starting April 1, 2025. These tariffs, approved by ERA, provide a structured pricing model for different consumer categories:
• Lifeline Tariff (up to 100 units per month) – UGX 250 per unit
• Domestic Tariff (beyond 15 units) – UGX 756.02 per unit
• Commercial Tariff – UGX 546.04 per unit
• Medium Industrial Tariff – UGX 355.01 per unit
• Large Industrial Tariff:
• Block 1 – UGX 304.00 per unit
• Block 2 (Declining Block Tariff) – UGX 282.09 per unit
• Extra Large Industrial Tariff – UGX 203.06 per unit
• Public Service Tariffs:
• General Services & Manufacturing – UGX 412.05 per unit
• Public Amenities (hospitals, universities, cooking, etc.) – UGX 360.00 per unit
Connection fees and other charges remain unchanged.
A New Era for Electricity Distribution
With this handover, UEDCL is stepping into a new era of electricity distribution, one that prioritizes service reliability, infrastructure enhancement, and customer satisfaction. The government’s vision is to ensure that electricity remains accessible and affordable for all Ugandans while driving economic growth through a stable and efficient power supply.
As the transition unfolds, stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engage with UEDCL through official communication channels. Today’s handover marks not just the end of an era but the beginning of a transformative journey in Uganda’s power sector.
