On April 1, 2025, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) officially assumed its full national mandate for electricity distribution, launching what was dubbed the “Big Switch.” Now, 100 days later, UEDCL is highlighting a range of impactful achievements aimed at improving service delivery, job creation, and network reliability across Uganda.
Major Milestones in 100 Days
The 100-day mark represents a significant turning point in Uganda’s electricity sub-sector, previously dominated by the private utility UMEME. As a government agency, UEDCL has quickly moved to solidify its leadership and deliver on promises of improved reliability, wider access, and more inclusive service.
Among its major accomplishments, UEDCL has created over 2,600 jobs across the country, successfully recruiting and deploying staff to 96% of required positions, licensed and deployed 550 additional direct connection technicians, accelerating the monthly average to over 47,000 new customer connections and connected 23,791 new customers, contributing significantly toward the government’s target of 250,000 free connections.
Improving Infrastructure and Network Stability
UEDCL also focused on stabilizing the country’s power supply through technical interventions:
- Upgraded the capacity of 4 substations in Kabale, Kakiri, Kawanda, and Matugga to enhance electricity reliability.
- Replaced over 116 faulty transformers, reducing power interruptions and improving voltage stability.
- Launched a $50 million grid modernization program, with procurement processes already underway to enhance infrastructure across Uganda.
The national grid saw a notable improvement with a 98.1% availability rate, marking a significant turnaround in consistency since UEDCL took over.
Anti-Vandalism and Public Engagement
Aware of the growing problem of vandalism, UEDCL formed a joint task force with security agencies and launched anti-vandalism campaigns and community barazas across high-risk areas. These efforts aim to promote vigilance and community ownership of electricity infrastructure.
Customer Care and Transparency
With an emphasis on transparency and customer-centric services, UEDCL:
- Cleared 220.5 billion UGX in outstanding bills, reflecting improved revenue collection efficiency (104% of the billed amount was collected).
- Answered 80% of customer calls through its revamped 24-hour contact center.
- Launched 100 media engagements via TV, radio talk shows, and town hall meetings to explain the utility’s renewed mandate.
- Strengthened its online presence, including launching a customer self-service portal and improved social media communication channels.
In a major boost to its credibility, UEDCL received accreditation from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), ensuring faster procurement and more transparent service delivery mechanisms.
Operating in every region of Uganda, UEDCL has rolled out these reforms with a deep focus on decentralization, local employment, and infrastructure responsiveness. The company’s efforts reflect a wider government push to position public utilities as engines for economic transformation, especially in rural and previously underserved communities.
As UEDCL looks to the future, officials have signaled their commitment to meeting even more ambitious targets around access, reliability, and customer satisfaction. The agency’s 100-day report card suggests it is indeed “in the driving seat” with Uganda’s electrification agenda firmly on course.
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