• Latest
Umeme Hands Over to UEDCL as Uganda Enters New Energy Era

The Big Switch: Yaka Rebrands to Light

2 months ago
Cedric Babu’s Final Journey Begins with Emotional Homecoming

Cedric Babu’s Final Journey Begins with Emotional Homecoming

11 hours ago
Museveni to Resume Nationwide PDM Tours, Starting with Busoga

Museveni to Deliver State of the Nation Address Tomorrow

12 hours ago
ICC Upholds In-Absentia Hearing for Joseph Kony

ICC Upholds In-Absentia Hearing for Joseph Kony

12 hours ago
Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi Students Win 2025 Uganda Martyrs Essay Contest

Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi Students Win 2025 Uganda Martyrs Essay Contest

12 hours ago
Uganda’s Coffee Exports Surge in April 2025, Earning Over $214m – MAAIF Report

Uganda’s Coffee Exports Surge in April 2025, Earning Over $214m – MAAIF Report

12 hours ago
EC Postpones Date for Displaying National Voters’ Register

EC Begins Nominations for Village Special Interest Groups Committees

12 hours ago
SoftPower News
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
SoftPower News
No Result
View All Result
Home Business

The Big Switch: Yaka Rebrands to Light

by Rogers Atukunda
March 31, 2025
Umeme Hands Over to UEDCL as Uganda Enters New Energy Era
525
VIEWS

Uganda has entered a new era in electricity distribution as Umeme Limited officially hands over its assets to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).

This transition marks the conclusion of Umeme’s 20-year concession and introduces a significant change: Uganda’s beloved Yaka prepaid system is being rebranded as LIGHT under UEDCL.

Related Stories

Cedric Babu’s Final Journey Begins with Emotional Homecoming

Museveni to Deliver State of the Nation Address Tomorrow

ICC Upholds In-Absentia Hearing for Joseph Kony

The Transition to LIGHT

Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, announced the rebranding, emphasising that the prepaid electricity system remains unchanged in functionality.

“Ugandans should not panic—everything remains the same. The only difference is that Yaka will now be known as UEDCL LIGHT to unify customers across all service territories,” Nankabirwa explained.

The rebrand is part of UEDCL’s broader strategy to improve service delivery, enhance efficiency, and align Uganda’s electricity distribution under a single entity. LIGHT will continue operating just like Yaka, ensuring seamless electricity vending and top-up processes for consumers.

“You will still buy electricity the same way you always have. Just remember: next time the units run low, top up your LIGHT and keep shining,” Nankabirwa added.

UEDCL Takes Over Amid Political Pressure

As UEDCL takes charge, Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa acknowledged the weight of responsibility, particularly during an election season.

Despite the challenges, Mwesigwa remains optimistic. “We have already kicked off procurements, and our stores are stocked and ready. In the next ten working days, all connections should be up and running. Our goal is 300,000 new connections this year.”

He also assured transparency in recruitment: “We conducted very fair interviews, and our new UEDCL structure of 2,712 staff members is primarily filled by former Umeme staff.”

Financial Aspects and Buyout Disputes

The government has paid over USD 120 million (UGX 440 billion) to Umeme as part of the buyout process.

However, Umeme Chairman Patrick Bitature expressed dissatisfaction, stating: “This is not what we expected. The buyout amount we received is lower than anticipated. We still have work to do in negotiations.”

A special audit report by the Auditor General reduced the initial buyout estimate from USD 190 million to USD 118 million. The government and Umeme will engage in a harmonization process starting April 1 to finalize the settlement.

The Future Under LIGHT

With USD 74 million secured for operations this year, UEDCL is set to ensure a smooth transition and improve electricity distribution across Uganda.

“We believe we are starting on a strong note, and we’re excited about the future,” Mwesigwa affirmed.

As the Big Switch takes effect, Ugandans can expect LIGHT to become the new face of electricity vending, ensuring continued access to affordable and reliable power.

Tags: Patrick BitatureRuth NankabirwaSoft PowerSoftPower NewsTop Uganda NewsUEDCLUgandaUMEMEYaka

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Recent Stories

Cedric Babu’s Final Journey Begins with Emotional Homecoming

Museveni to Deliver State of the Nation Address Tomorrow

ICC Upholds In-Absentia Hearing for Joseph Kony

Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi Students Win 2025 Uganda Martyrs Essay Contest

Uganda’s Coffee Exports Surge in April 2025, Earning Over $214m – MAAIF Report

EC Begins Nominations for Village Special Interest Groups Committees

Visit UBOS Website
SoftPower News Logo

SoftPower News is a subsidiary of SoftPower Communications LLC, a Ugandan digital media group. Keep posted of the latest from Uganda and East Africa.
Plot 4B Malcolm X, Kololo
P.O Box 1497, Kampala - Uganda
Tel: +256-392-001-701
Email: info@softpower.ug

This news site is licenced by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)

ADVERTISEMENT
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Regional
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More

© SoftPower News

error: Content is protected
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women

© SoftPower News