Uganda’s power distribution has entered a new era. As of April 1st, 2025, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has fully taken over from Umeme after a 20-year concession.
This transition, part of the government’s plan to reclaim state control, brings new leadership to the forefront. Here’s a look at the executives and board members steering UEDCL into the future.
Why the Transition?
UEDCL, formed in 2001 after the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB), has always owned the power distribution network below 33kV. For two decades, these assets were leased to Umeme.
However, following directives from President Yoweri Museveni and Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, UEDCL was granted full operational licenses in late 2024 to distribute and sell electricity. The goal? Improve financial stability, expand power access, and enhance service reliability.
A key component of this shift is workforce retention. UEDCL has absorbed between 80% and 91.6% of Umeme’s employees to maintain service continuity.
UEDCL’s Executive Team
UEDCL’s Executive Committee (Exco) is responsible for daily operations and strategic execution. Below are the key leaders:
- Mr. Mwesigwa Paul – Managing Director
- Ms. Esther Naikoba Mulyagonja – Company Secretary
- Eng. Tibyakinura Protaze – Chief Engineering & Technical Services Officer
- Ms. Jacqueline Kiwanuka – Chief Finance Officer
- Mr. Awateh Moses – Chief Logistics & Production Officer
- Mr. Nelson Bagenda – Chief Information Technology Officer
- Ms. Joselynne Rwabwogo – Chief Commercial and Operations Officer
- Mr. Boniface Barongo – Head of Human Resource and Administration
- Mr. Jonan Kiiza – Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs
- Ms. Justine Nakagiri Ssemwanga – Head of Internal Audit
- Eng. Isaac Sserwadda – Head of Projects and Construction
- Mr. Innocent Byamukama – Head of Procurement and Disposal
- Mr. Isaac Mufumbiro – Head of Strategy, Compliance, and Regulation
Managing Director Mwesigwa Paul has outlined a need for $540 million in initial investments. His leadership will be crucial in navigating this transition, ensuring financial stability, and addressing previous service complaints about Umeme.
Meet the Board of Directors
Overseeing UEDCL’s strategic direction is a board composed of energy, finance, and governance experts:
- Mr. Tumuheirwe Francis – Chairman
- Eng. Nakiranda Cecilia Menya – Board Member
- Mr. Mugisha Christopher – Board Member
- Mrs. Sengendo May Christine – Board Member
- Dr. Brian Isabirye – Board Member
- Mr. Kalanguka Kayondho – Board Member
- Ms. Lydia Ochieng-Obbo – Board Member
- Ms. Elizabeth Kasenene Rumanyika – Board Member
- Mr. Mwesigwa Paul – Managing Director (Ex-Officio)
- Ms. Esther Naikoba Mulyagonja – Company Secretary (Ex-Officio)
Chairman Tumuheirwe Francis has reassured the public of a seamless transition, emphasizing UEDCL’s readiness to handle Uganda’s growing power needs.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the government’s confidence, concerns remain. UEDCL must secure $50 million in immediate funding, address potential power shortages, and manage public expectations.
However, the company’s past experience in rural power distribution and previous transitions, such as taking over Ferdsult in 2017, suggests it is up to the task.
An interesting development is the rebranding of the Yaka prepaid system to “Light.” Announced on April 1, 2025, this change aligns with UEDCL’s new identity, though customers will need time to adjust.
What This Means for Ugandans
For consumers, the transition ensures continued electricity services with minimal disruption. The government has guaranteed that Yaka units and payment systems will remain functional under the new “Light” branding.
Additionally, UEDCL’s focus on digital innovation, such as mobile billing, promises to improve customer service.
While 2,068 out of 2,259 Umeme employees have been retained, 191 workers face potential redundancy, raising social and economic concerns. However, with a leadership team blending experience and innovation, UEDCL is poised to drive Uganda’s energy future forward.
