The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has outlined its ambitious plans to promote industrialization and entrepreneurship in Uganda, following its takeover from Umeme Limited.
Despite the challenges faced by the company, including power outages and complications with buying and loading light units, UEDCL is committed to delivering a reliable and high-quality power supply to support the country’s economic growth.
Addressing the Challenges
Speaking during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre this week, Paul Mwesigwa, the Executive Director of UEDCL, acknowledged the company’s difficulties but emphasized its commitment to addressing them.
“We recognize the critical need for major reliability upgrades on the distribution network to support industrialization and foster entrepreneurship,” he said.
To achieve this, Mwesigwa said UEDCL is implementing a range of network reliability projects aimed at ensuring a stable and high-quality power supply.
Empowering the Business Community
Mwesigwa explained that UEDCL’s efforts are designed to empower the business community by providing the energy needed to drive production, trade, and commerce. He revealed that the company has already dispatched over 113 transformers to replace faulty units in various parts of the country, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring a continuous and reliable power supply for both domestic and industrial consumers.
Reducing Power Tariffs
In a bid to further support industrialization and entrepreneurship, he noted that UEDCL also reduced power tariffs by 14%, making electricity more affordable for businesses and households. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, enabling businesses to increase production and competitiveness, while reducing costs for households at the same time.
Collaboration and Partnerships
To address the financing gaps and other challenges faced by UEDCL, including those inherited from Umeme, Mwesigwa said the company is working closely with stakeholders, partners, and the government. To achieve this, he said a nationwide audit has been conducted to assess and address the root causes of the disruptions, because UEDCL is committed to delivering consistent and dependable electricity that supports economic growth and sustains Uganda’s development agenda, in line with the National Development Plan IV.
A New Era for Industrialization
Mwesigwa observed that UEDCL’s takeover from Umeme marks a new era for industrialization in Uganda, with the company committed to providing a reliable and high-quality power supply to support the country’s economic growth.
With its ambitious plans and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the company, UEDCL is poised to play a critical role in promoting industrialization and entrepreneurship in Uganda.
He emphasized that UEDCL’s efforts to promote industrialization in Uganda are a significant step towards supporting the country’s economic growth and development.
With its commitment to delivering a reliable and high-quality power supply, reducing power tariffs, and empowering the business community, UEDCL is well-positioned to play a critical role in promoting industrialization and economic growth in Uganda.