By Frank Kamuntu
The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) has called on the Government and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to urgently address delays in electricity connections, improve service delivery and strengthen accountability in the distribution sector.
The call was made by Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, Manager of the Office of the National Chairman, while addressing journalists during a press conference held at the ONC headquarters in Kyambogo, Kampala.
In a statement delivered to the press, Namyalo raised concerns over the state of electricity distribution since UEDCL took over operations from Umeme on April 1, 2025, saying Ugandans had expected improved services, affordable electricity and wider access following the transition.
The statement cited figures indicating that approximately 400,000 customers who had paid for electricity connections were still awaiting service. It also reported that UEDCL had collected UGX 1.71 trillion and announced 236,000 new connections, raising questions about the pace of service delivery and the use of funds collected.
Namyalo further highlighted concerns over reported electricity distribution losses, which the statement said had risen from 15 per cent to 19 per cent, calling for improved efficiency, transparent reporting and stronger management of the distribution network.
The ONC has urged the Government and UEDCL to clear the outstanding electricity connection backlog within 90 days and publish a district-by-district list of customers awaiting connections.
She emphasised that consumers who have already paid for electricity connections should receive the services they were promised, alongside clear information on connection timelines.
She also called for an independent audit of the reported UGX 1.71 trillion collected by UEDCL to establish how the funds have been utilised and ensure accountability.
Additionally, the ONC urged the electricity distributor to take practical measures to reduce distribution losses and introduce transparent reporting mechanisms to enable the public to assess progress in service delivery.
Namyalo highlighted the need to ensure that Uganda’s investments in electricity generation translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
She referenced major power projects, including Karuma, Isimba and Bujagali, noting that reliable and affordable electricity is essential for economic growth, industrial development and improved service delivery.
While acknowledging the potential economic benefits of exporting electricity to neighbouring countries, the ONC called on the Government to ensure that domestic consumers are not disadvantaged.
The Chief Muzzukulu stressed that factories, small businesses, schools and health facilities require dependable electricity to operate efficiently and support the country’s economic transformation.
The ONC further called for enforceable service standards covering electricity connection timelines, reliability of supply, tariffs and the handling of customer complaints.
According to Namyalo, such measures would strengthen consumer protection, improve accountability and provide a clear framework for assessing UEDCL’s performance.
Namyalo recognised investments made in the energy sector under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement, while urging that these investments be reflected in improved electricity access and service quality.
The ONC maintained that the success of the transition from Umeme to UEDCL should be measured by the improvements experienced by electricity consumers rather than announcements and projected targets.
She called for urgent intervention to address the outstanding connection requests, improve the reliability of electricity supply and ensure transparent management of resources within the distribution sector.
She concluded with a call for action from both the Government and UEDCL, emphasising that Ugandans expect reliable service, affordable electricity and timely connections.
“Ugandans deserve light, not excuses,” she noted.