Kampala, May 3, 2026 — Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has removed the board chairperson of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and sent its managing director on forced leave, in a sweeping leadership shake-up aimed at addressing operational challenges at the state-owned utility.
In a statement issued on May 2, the ministry confirmed the termination of Lydia Ochieng-Obbo as board chairperson, while Paul Mwesigwa was directed to step aside to allow for what officials described as a “comprehensive assessment” of the company’s operations.
The ministry named Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho, a lawyer with over 16 years of experience, as interim board chairperson. An acting managing director has also been appointed to oversee day-to-day operations during the review period.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said the changes are intended to strengthen governance and improve efficiency, while assuring the public that electricity supply will remain stable throughout the transition.
The intervention comes just over a year after Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited took over power distribution from Umeme Limited in April 2025, marking a major shift in Uganda’s energy sector.
Since the takeover, UEDCL has faced mounting scrutiny over performance indicators. Government data shows energy losses have risen to about 19 percent, while billing irregularities and fraud are estimated to have cost the utility up to Shs48 billion. Infrastructure constraints have also affected service delivery in some areas.
However, officials note that the company has also registered growth, with customer connections increasing by approximately 9 percent and electricity demand rising by 28.5 percent over the same period—signalling expanding access and consumption despite operational hurdles.
Analysts say the leadership shake-up underscores the government’s urgency in stabilising the power distribution network, which is critical to Uganda’s industrialisation agenda and economic growth.
The ministry has not specified how long the operational review will take, but indicated that further reforms could follow depending on the findings.
