Uganda’s electricity sector has turned a historic page as Umeme Limited officially hands over operations to the state-run Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), marking the end of a 20-year concession.
The most visible change? The beloved Yaka prepaid system is now LIGHT – though officials assure consumers the switch is purely cosmetic.
Same Service, New Name
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa moved quickly to calm nerves:
- 🔌 “No technical changes – only the name Yaka becomes UEDCL LIGHT”
- 💡 “Top-up processes remain identical; just look for ‘LIGHT’ on your token”
- 🌍 Rebrand unifies services across all distribution areas
The transition aims to streamline operations under UEDCL’s full control, with promises of improved efficiency and expanded access.
UEDCL’s Ambitious Plans
Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa outlined bold targets:
✅ 300,000 new connections in 2025
✅ Full operations within 10 working days post-handover
✅ 2,712 staff (mostly ex-Umeme) recruited through “very fair interviews”
“Our stores are stocked and procurement processes underway,” Mwesigwa assured, acknowledging the challenge of managing the transition during election season pressures.
The Billion-Dollar Handover Drama
Behind the smooth public rollout lies financial tension:
- 💰 Government paid $120M (UGX 440B) to Umeme
- 📉 Auditor General slashed valuation from 190M to 190M to 118M
- 😠 Umeme’s Patrick Bitature: “This isn’t what we expected”
A harmonization process begins April 1 to resolve the 52M gap, even as UEDCL secures 74M operational funding for 2025.
What Consumers Need to Know
1️⃣ Vending points remain unchanged (mobile money, agents, banks)
2️⃣ Existing Yaka tokens still work – just watch for “LIGHT” branding
3️⃣ No price changes announced… for now
“Next time your units run low, top up your LIGHT and keep shining,” Minister Nankabirwa quipped, encapsulating the government’s hope for a seamless transition.
Power Play: While the LIGHT rebrand shines a positive spotlight, real tests loom – from resolving the Umeme payout dispute to delivering on connection promises. As Uganda flips this switch, consumers will judge by one simple metric: Does the power stay on?
