Summary:
- Minister Nankabirwa expressed gratitude to Umeme for its two decades of service, acknowledging the company’s achievements in loss reduction, revenue collection, and infrastructure development.
KAMPALA: Umeme Limited has officially transferred licenses for the sale and distribution of electricity from the national grid to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), marking a significant milestone in Uganda’s energy sector.
This transition follows President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to revert expiring private electricity distribution concessions to government management.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, commended the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) for its meticulous evaluation of UEDCL’s applications, which culminated in the issuance of new licenses for electricity distribution and sales across the authorized grid areas.
“The government is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a seamless transition in the electricity sector,” Nankabirwa said.
She outlined three key priorities to guide this transition:
Affordability: Current tariff structures, including lifeline and time-of-use tariffs, will be maintained to ensure electricity remains affordable for all Ugandans.
Electricity Access: Efforts to achieve universal electricity access by 2030, in line with Vision 2040 and the National Electrification Strategy, will be intensified, particularly through the implementation of the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP).
Quality and Reliability: Infrastructure upgrades, including the rehabilitation of substations, transformers, and power lines, will be prioritized to minimize service disruptions.
Minister Nankabirwa expressed gratitude to Umeme for its two decades of service, acknowledging the company’s achievements in loss reduction, revenue collection, and infrastructure development.
However, she urged Ugandans to take responsibility for the future of the electricity sector.
“I call upon every Ugandan to safeguard electricity infrastructure, avoid vandalism, and honor payment obligations to ensure a sustainable power supply,” she said.
To address employment concerns, the government has reserved 2,712 positions for UEDCL and Umeme employees under the Lease and Assignment Agreement. Recruitment will be managed by the UEDCL Board to ensure service continuity.
“I encourage all eligible employees to apply for these positions. Your expertise is crucial for a successful transition,” Nankabirwa said, urging staff to remain committed to their roles.
As Uganda embarks on this transformative journey, the Minister called for collective responsibility to secure a sustainable electricity industry capable of driving socio-economic transformation.
“This is a defining moment for our nation. Together, we can illuminate Uganda’s path to prosperity,” she concluded.
