Following months of persistent blackouts and mounting public outcry, electricity distributor Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has unveiled a major network improvement plan designed to boost supply reliability for over 80,000 customers across Greater Kampala and surrounding districts.
The initiative was launched during a nationwide stakeholder engagement campaign aimed at addressing chronic supply disruptions, deepening partnerships with local leaders, and soliciting direct consumer feedback while key distribution network upgrades are underway.
The consultative engagements kicked off in Kira Municipality, an epicenter of frequent power cuts, where company executives briefed stakeholders on the immediate and long-term investments designed to clear network congestion and keep pace with soaring power demand.
Addressing the gathered leaders, Isaac Katewanga, UEDCL’s Acting Chief Commercial and Operations Services Officer, noted that direct dialogue is critical to resolving the ongoing grid challenges.
“We are engaging local leaders to explain the causes of the current supply interruptions, update them on ongoing projects and work together on practical solutions,” Mr. Katewanga said, acknowledging public frustration over recurring outages while reiterating the company’s commitment to stabilizing the national grid.
A central element of the distributor’s recovery strategy involves upgrading the transformer at the Kawanda Substation, a targeted intervention expected to relieve capacity constraints for consumers in Naalya, Kyaliwajala, and nearby neighborhoods by the end of 2026. UEDCL has also begun splitting the overloaded Seeta-Bukerere distribution line to stabilize voltage levels, ease feeder congestion, and shorten restoration times during unexpected line faults.
In tandem with these major overhauls, emergency measures are actively being deployed, including the installation of extra transformers in heavily loaded pockets, the replacement of overstretched hardware with higher-capacity equipment, and the rapid replacement of compromised poles and conductors.
Samson Tondo, UEDCL’s Head of Engineering Services for the Central Region, detailed that the interventions will directly improve service delivery for residents and businesses spanning Kira, Namugongo, Kyaliwajala, Bulindo, Kitukutwe, Nsasa, Nabusugwe, Naalya, Kasangati, Najjera, Nakwero, Bukerere, Sonde, and adjoining communities.
Mr. Tondo added that UEDCL is coordinating with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to support broader transmission expansion plans intended to boost Greater Kampala’s transmission capacity from 80 megawatts to 200 megawatts.
Beyond the capital region, UEDCL is moving forward on several strategic infrastructure projects. These include constructing new substations in Magigye, Kigo, and Nakasero, along with upgrading established sub-stations in Kireka, Busunju, Kakiri, Mubende, Jinja Industrial, Kabaale, and Mbale. Comprehensive power line refurbishments are also progressing across Mityana, Masaka, Kasese, and Bushenyi. Company estimates indicate that upon completion, these combined works could push network reliability to as high as 98 percent.
However, utility management cautioned that widespread vandalism continues to undermine grid stability, with equipment theft and damaged assets repeatedly leaving whole communities in the dark and disrupting critical business operations.
“We need communities to become our eyes and ears,” Mr. Tondo appealed, urging residents and civic leaders to immediately flag any suspicious activity around electrical installations.
Alongside security threats, UEDCL raised the alarm over a surge in connection scams targeting prospective customers seeking fast-tracked services.
Jessica Zziwa, Head of Commercial and Operations Services for the Central Region, cautioned consumers to strictly process transactions through verified banking channels or official mobile money platforms.
“Do not pay cash to anyone claiming they can speed up your connection. Report suspected fraud immediately,” Ms. Zziwa warned.
The Kira outreach brought together more than 100 local stakeholders, including Kampala East Regional Police Commander ASP Justus Tashobya, who promised sustained security support to protect utility infrastructure and apprehend vandals targeting the network.
Namugongo Division Mayor Moses Haumba commended the consultative approach, highlighting it as an essential step toward restoring public confidence in the utility provider.
“This engagement gives local leaders a platform to raise concerns, understand the challenges and work together to improve service delivery,” Mayor Haumba said.
Faced with rapidly rising electricity demand in Uganda’s expanding urban centers, UEDCL is relying on this blend of capital investments, community vigilance, and law enforcement support to safeguard the grid and power long-term economic activity.