About Company
General Information
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Type: Government-owned parastatal under the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development. Shares are held by the ministries of Energy and Finance.
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Founded: April 1, 2001, following the breakup of the Uganda Electricity Board.
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Headquarters: Sixth floor, UEDCL Tower, 37 Nakasero Road, Kampala (coordinates: 0°19’35.0″N, 32°34’38.0″E).
⚡ Roles & Assets
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Primary Function: Owns and maintains distribution network infrastructure across Uganda for voltages up to 33 kV, serving domestic and commercial customers.
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Asset Manager: While Umeme operated the network under a 20-year concession from 2005 to March 31, 2025, UEDCL retains ownership of all infrastructure and oversees private operators.
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Pole Treatment & Maintenance: Manages pole treatment and off-grid networks in remote regions like Moyo, Adjumani, and Moroto.
👥 Organization & Governance
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Board & Leadership:
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Chairman: Francis Tumuheirwe.
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Managing Director: Joseph Katera (with French source mentioning Paul Mwesigwa, but official info supports Joseph Katera).
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Regulation: Governed by Uganda’s Electricity Act (Amended 2022, CAP 145).
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Licensing: Holds network asset license issued by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) since March 1, 2005.
🛠️ Recent Activities & Projects
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Infrastructure Expansion: Recently recruited 580 contractors to accelerate rollout of over 1 million connections—including AfDB, World Bank, and government-funded projects.
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Smart-Meter Upgrades: Rolling out token identifier updates across service territories, extending smart meter life by 30 years.
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Contractor Oversight: While subcontracting operations, UEDCL monitors Umeme’s compliance and manages rural network projects.
🔄 Transition & Future Outlook
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Upcoming Takeover: Umeme concession ends March 31, 2025. UEDCL will resume direct operational control and assume responsibilities .
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Compensation Deal: Government approved a $190 million loan to compensate Umeme for unrecovered investments upon handback.
🌍 Significance in Uganda’s Power Sector
| Role | Impact |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Steward | Ensures upkeep and expansion of Uganda’s grid (≤ 33 kV), crucial for electrification efforts. |
| Regulatory Supervisor | Monitors private concessions and ensures compliance with national standards. |
| Enabler of Access | Drives large-scale connection projects for rural and underserved communities. |
🔍 Summary
UEDCL is Uganda’s backbone of electrical distribution infrastructure, handling asset ownership, maintenance, compliance oversight, and rural electrification. With Umeme’s concession ending in 2025, UEDCL is set to take back direct control. Its role is central to expanding access, modernizing the grid, and ensuring reliable electricity across Uganda.
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