UEDCL Installs 132 New Transformers in Push for Reliable Power Supply

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ltd (UEDCL) has announced major progress in its 2025 grid reinforcement programme, unveiling a significant rollout of new transformers and upgrades aimed at improving electricity reliability across the country.

In an update shared this week, UEDCL revealed that it has installed 132 new transformers, replaced 206 faulty units, and finalised plans to inject an additional 518 transformers into the network.

“This transformer investment is critical to electricity supply reliability,” UEDCL stated, adding that the company is “relentlessly working to improve reliability” through targeted upgrades and rapid-response technical interventions.

According to sector data shared by GROK, UEDCL’s transformer programme—implemented after its April 2025 takeover of Umeme’s distribution areas—has helped push network availability to 98.1%. Photographs posted alongside the announcement showed UEDCL teams installing and offloading transformers in various urban locations, illustrating the practical work behind the upgrades.

However, despite the improvements, replies to the update highlighted persistent local challenges, including low voltage in Nkumba and recurrent outages in Sonde, echoing ongoing community concerns captured in 2025 reliability reports.

Minister Nankabirwa Highlights Broader Sector Interventions

Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said government and UEDCL are undertaking “major technical interventions to improve reliability,” stressing that the post-takeover period has been marked by aggressive infrastructure improvements.

“We have replaced hundreds of faulty transformers—UEDCL replaced over 116 faulty transformers in April alone—which helped reduce voltage problems, overload trips, and related outages,” she said.

Dr Nankabirwa cited a wide list of upgrades, including rebuilding storm-damaged structures, strengthening substations—such as Mbarara North (20→40MVA), Kabale–Kisoro (2.5→5MVA), Kakiri (10MW→20MW), Masaka Central (5MW→7MW)—and ongoing works at Kawanda, Matugga and Mutundwe substations.

She added that the Ministry is implementing a 100-day grid overhaul, replacing more than 47,000 rotten poles, expanding vegetation management to reduce weather-related faults, and investing UGX 280 billion in modern equipment and technical teams.

“Losses have reduced from 19.1% to 16.8% in just six months after the takeover,” she noted, attributing the improvement to better metering, regularising illegal connections, and enhanced anti-vandalism measures.

“Grid hardening and modernization remain ongoing priorities.”

UEDCL Managing Emergencies as Vandalism Threat Persists

UEDCL also issued an update on the Mukono power restoration efforts, confirming that teams from the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL) are installing temporary wooden transmission structures to restore supply after vandals damaged multiple pylons.

“This temporary solution will remain in place as reconstruction of the vandalised pylons continues,” the distributor said.

Restoring Power to Communities After Years of Vandalism

In Ntungamo District, UEDCL—working with the Ministry of Energy—commissioned seven newly installed transformers in the villages of Mujwa, Rujumo, Mpaama, Nyakasa, Omukashozwa, Omukatojo and Omukirombe.

These units replace 12 transformers vandalised seven years ago, which had left residents without electricity for an extended period.

Presiding over the launch, Eng. Abdon Atwiine, Commissioner in the Rural Electrification Department, warned communities about the dangers of power theft and vandalism.

“We urge the public to be vigilant and actively safeguard electricity infrastructure. Reliable and sustainable power supply can only be achieved if we protect the system together,” he said.

Rural Electrification Boost in Kanungu District

Meanwhile, in Kanungu District, Minister Nankabirwa and UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa commissioned a rural electrification project extending power to Mpungu Sub-county and the new Mpungu Tea Factory, built by the Government to support tea farmers.

According to UEDCL, the project included: construction of 4.26 km of medium-voltage lines, installation of 1.7 km of low-voltage lines, installation of two 50 kVA transformers for the tea factory and installation of one 15 kVA transformer for surrounding villages.

“This investment marks a major step toward strengthening agro-industrial development and improving rural livelihoods in Kanungu,” UEDCL said.