UEDCL Leadership Shake-Up as Energy Ministry Cites Performance Concerns

Uganda’s electricity distribution sector has entered a fresh phase of scrutiny after the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development announced changes at the top leadership of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited.

Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa confirmed the end of the tenure of board chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo and directed managing director Paul Mwesigwa to proceed on leave, describing the move as part of routine oversight following the company’s assumption of electricity distribution responsibilities from Umeme on April 1, 2025.

The ministry said the decision forms part of a broader operational review intended to assess the company’s early performance after the transition and to position the utility for improved efficiency.

Transition Under Early Pressure

The leadership changes come at a delicate time for UEDCL, which inherited a highly demanding national electricity distribution network serving millions of consumers across the country.

Since taking over from Umeme, UEDCL has faced immediate operational pressure, with sector figures indicating that energy losses have risen from 15 percent under the previous operator to about 19 percent. The increase has raised concern among policymakers and consumers, particularly at a time when the country continues to pursue expanded electricity access, industrial growth and improved reliability of supply.

The company’s customer base has also continued to expand, reaching approximately 2.76 million connections. While that growth reflects widening access to electricity, it has simultaneously intensified pressure on already strained infrastructure.

Overloaded Substations and Persistent Blackouts

Among the most pressing concerns cited in the ministry’s review are overloaded substations and recurring power interruptions in several parts of the country.

Energy sector observers note that many parts of the distribution network were already under strain before the handover. The combination of growing demand, aging infrastructure and delayed upgrades has continued to expose weaknesses in grid resilience.

Consumers in urban centres, industrial zones and fast-growing municipalities have in recent months reported intermittent outages, voltage fluctuations and prolonged restoration times — challenges that have placed UEDCL under early public scrutiny.

The ministry’s intervention therefore signals an attempt to restore operational confidence while ensuring that the transition from Umeme does not undermine supply stability.

Acting Managing Director Appointed

To maintain continuity of operations, the ministry announced that Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho will serve as acting managing director.

Her immediate responsibility will be to oversee day-to-day management as government undertakes a wider review of the utility’s technical, financial and operational performance.

Officials say the review will focus particularly on reducing distribution losses, strengthening maintenance systems, improving customer response mechanisms and accelerating infrastructure modernisation.

A Critical Test for Public Power Management

The latest developments mark one of the first major tests of public-sector management of electricity distribution following the end of Umeme’s concession.

Analysts say the transition was always expected to attract close government supervision because of the strategic importance of electricity to economic productivity, industrialisation and household welfare.

For the Ministry of Energy, the central challenge now will be whether UEDCL can rapidly stabilise operations, curb technical and commercial losses, and invest in modern infrastructure capable of supporting Uganda’s rising electricity demand.

The coming months are likely to determine whether the utility’s takeover becomes a turning point in strengthening the national grid — or a period of prolonged operational strain.

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