Ugandans have been told to brace for continued power outages until April 2025 as the government scrambles to secure funding for the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) ahead of the much anticipated takeover from Umeme.
This revelation was made by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa who urged citizens to “bear with the situation” as Uganda navigates the complex transition of its electricity distribution network.
The announcement comes amid worsening blackouts nationwide with some areas experiencing power for as little as 2-6 hours a day.
During a heated parliamentary session, Luwero Woman MP Brenda Nabukenya raised concerns over the dire electricity situation in her district stating that businesses were shutting down and livelihoods were at risk due to the unreliable power supply.
At the heart of the crisis is the government’s decision to end Umeme’s 20-year contract, which expires in March 2025.
The move meant to return power distribution to state control under UEDCL has been marred by funding shortages, logistical barriers and lack of infrastructure readiness.
Minister Nankabirwa acknowledged the challenges but assured Parliament that the government is actively seeking funds to bolster UEDCL’s capacity.
However, her admission that power cuts may persist for over a year has sparked fresh outrage with opposition questioning whether the country was truly prepared for Umeme’s exit.
If there is one place that illustrates the gravity of the crisis, it is Luwero where residents have been enduring only a few hours of electricity daily for the past two months.
The situation has crippled businesses, disrupted essential services and left many wondering if Uganda is going backward rather than progressing in its energy sector.
Nabukenya did not hold back in Parliament, accusing the government of failing to plan for a smooth transition and demanding immediate solutions for the people of Luwero and other affected districts.
The growing power crisis is quickly turning into a national emergency. With Uganda’s economy heavily dependent on industries, businesses and digital services, unreliable electricity threatens productivity, investment and public trust in government institutions.
Beyond the economic impact, the political implications are equally significant. With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, opposition figures have seized the moment to criticize the government’s handling of the power transition calling it another example of mismanagement and lack of foresight.
With no immediate fix in sight, Ugandans are left to navigate an increasingly uncertain power situation.
