The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is a parastatal company whose primary purpose is to distribute electric power to domestic and commercial end-users in Uganda, at and below 33 kiloVolts.[2] This role was sub-leased to Umeme for a 20-year concession that ends in 2025.[3]
| Company type | Parastatal |
|---|---|
| Industry | Power distribution |
| Founded | April 1, 2001 |
| Headquarters | 6th Floor, UEDCL Tower 37 Nakasero Road Kampala, Uganda |
Key people | Francis Tumuheirwe Chairman Joseph Katera Managing Director[1] |
| Products | Electricity, electric poles |
| Website | Homepage |
Location edit
The headquarters of UEDCL are on the sixth floor of UEDCL Towers, 37 Nakasero Road, Nakasero Hill, in Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city.[4] The coordinates of the company headquarters are 0°19'35.0"N, 32°34'38.0"E (Latitude:0.326390; Longitude:32.577222).[5]
History edit
UEDCL was established in 2001 by an act of the Ugandan parliament following the break-up of the Uganda Electricity Board. In 2005, Umeme took over the majority of assets and responsibilities of UEDCL for a period of 20 years on a concessionary basis.[2][6]
In 2018, the Natural Resources Committee of the Ugandan Parliament weighed the benefits and consequences of terminating that concession earlier than 2025. The committee was informed by Joseph Katera, the UEDCL managing director, that the government needed to invest at least US$100 million on an annual basis, to maintain on-going operations. Another US$330 million break-up fee would be due to Umeme at the time of premature termination.[7]
Operations edit
During the period of the concession to Umeme, UEDCL has the following operations:[2][6] (a) Monitor Umeme's adherence to the terms of the concession (b) Maintain and operate the off-grid power networks in the districts of Adjumani, Moroto and Moyo and (c) Supervise the completion of the grid-expansion projects that were under construction by the Rural Electrification Network, a sister government agency, at the time the Umeme concession was initialized (d) Maintain, operate, and manage the electric pole treatment plant at Lugogo in Central Kampala.[2][6]
Governance edit
UEDCL is governed by a seven-person board of directors whose chairman is Francis Tumuheirwe. Other members of the board of directors include James Banabe Isingoma, Dr May Ssengendo, Habib Zaitun, Kalanguka Kayondho, Godfrey Turyahikayo & Christopher Mugisha. The Company's managing director is Paul Mwesigwa.[8]
Developments edit
In February 2021, Ugandan online media reported that the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Uganda had cancelled the electricity distribution license of Bundibugyo Energy Cooperative Society (BECS), which had been responsible for energy distribution in Bundibugyo District. That license was immediately transferred to UEDCL. The affected distribution area includes Ntoroko District and parts of Kabarole District.[9][10]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Mangula, George (14 April 2018). "Government Won't Take Over UMEME – UEDCL Official". Uganda: Eagle Uganda. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
- ^ a b c d Advertisement (10 February 2016). "Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL)". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ UEDCL (11 October 2016). "Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited: About Us". Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). Kampala. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ UEDCL. "Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited: UEDCL Contacts". Kampala: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).
- ^ Google (11 October 2016). "Location of The Headquarters of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited" (Map). Google Maps. Google. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ a b c UEDCL (11 October 2016). "Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited: Welcome to UEDCL". Kampala: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ Kasemiire, Christine (24 April 2018). "What it would take to replace Umeme". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
- ^ UEDCL (11 October 2016). "The Board of Directors of UEDCL". Kampala: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ Basaija Idd and Godwin Bwambale (23 February 2021). "Bundibugyo Power Distribution Company Loses Contract Over Mismanagement, Debts". Uganda Radio Network. Kampala. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
- ^ SoftPower (1 April 2021). "UEDCL Takes Over Electricity Distribution In Bundibugyo". SoftPower Uganda. Kampala. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
External links edit
- UEDCL Homepage
- Electricity Firms Face Staffing Challenges As of 8 September 2015.