Uganda is currently experiencing a surge in power outages and load shedding, raising concerns among consumers and prompting calls for an explanation from relevant authorities.
The crisis comes at a time as the country prepares to transition its electricity distribution from Umeme Ltd, whose 20-year concession is set to expire on April 1, to the state-run Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL).
In response to growing public frustration, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has acknowledged the instability in power supply but said that the issue will soon be addressed.
The ministry attributes the current disruptions to an overwhelming surge in electricity demand that has strained existing infrastructure.
“As national electricity demand grows, certain substations have become overloaded, necessitating urgent upgrades to transmission and distribution networks,” the ministry said in a statement.
Ugandans have long endured power instability, particularly during the rainy season, a problem that frequently led to criticism of Umeme. However, the ministry insists that stabilizing the electricity supply remains a top priority.
The government has identified several factors contributing to the current power disruptions, including equipment failures, which have led to widespread service interruptions. Insufficient capacity in some sections of the power network has also resulted in localized blackouts.
Vandalism and theft have significantly disrupted power distribution along key transmission lines, such as the Kawanda-Masaka corridor. Additionally, environmental factors such as bushfires along the Gulu Highway, particularly in Kiryandongo and Karuma, have further damaged transmission lines.
To address these issues, the MEMD says it is working closely with key stakeholders in the energy sector to implement urgent maintenance and upgrade projects.
“Priority has been given to operational maintenance activities aimed at improving the reliability and efficiency of the power supply system,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, the government is mobilizing funds to support these initiatives, ensuring that upgrades are executed promptly to minimize service disruptions.
