Uganda Electricity Distributor Sees Sweeping Management Overhaul

Key facts

• Joselynne Rwakakooko appointed acting Managing Director of UEDCL on May 2, 2026.
• Former MD Paul Mwesigwa sent on forced leave.
• Board Chairperson's services terminated.
• Eight new managers appointed to acting roles on May 6, 2026.
• UEDCL took over the electricity distribution network from Umeme Limited over a year ago.
• in December 2025 highlighted governance and financial concerns.
• Absa Bank provided a Shs 190 billion loan in December 2025 for network upgrades.

New Leadership Takes Charge Amidst Probe

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is undergoing a significant leadership transition following the appointment of an acting Managing Director and a series of other senior management changes. The shake-up comes as the company faces scrutiny over its operations and governance. Joselynne Rwakakooko, formerly the company’s chief commercial and operations officer, assumed the role of acting Managing Director effective May 2, 2026. She replaces Paul Mwesigwa, who has been placed on forced leave by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. These actions are part of a broader governance and oversight initiative aimed at enhancing institutional performance, accountability, and service delivery within the nation's energy sector, according to the ministry.

Board Chair Replaced, Officials Step Aside

The restructuring extends to the highest levels of the company, with the services of the Chairperson of the Board having been terminated. Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho has been appointed as the interim Board Chairperson to ensure operational continuity. Furthermore, several other senior officials have been asked to step aside. While UEDCL has not officially stated the reasons for their departure, sources within the company indicate that these officials are subject to an ongoing probe. This move underscores the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the company's operational and financial health, especially after an in December 2025 raised governance and financial concerns.

Rwakakooko's Internal Promotion Signals Continuity

Ms. Rwakakooko's elevation to the top acting role is notable for its emphasis on internal leadership. As the former chief commercial and operations officer, she possesses intimate knowledge of UEDCL's challenges, having overseen critical functions such as customer service, network operations, and emergency response. Her career trajectory includes significant experience at Umeme Ltd, where she held positions in customer service engineering and network operations. This two-decade tenure provides her with a deep understanding of Uganda's electricity distribution infrastructure, including its aging transformers, substations, and last-mile connections. Her background in commercial operations is also seen as an asset in addressing system losses, both technical and commercial, a crucial task for improving the company's financial standing.

New Appointments in Key Operational Roles

In an internal memo dated May 6, 2026, Ms. Rwakakooko announced the appointment of eight new managers, all serving in an acting capacity for an unspecified period. These appointments aim to fill the vacuum left by officials who have stepped aside. Among the key appointments, Sylver Hategekimana will serve as Acting Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, while Isaac Katewanga takes on the role of Chief Commercial Officer. Samuel Omoding is the new acting Head of Human Resource and Administration. Other significant appointments include Stephen Ilungole as Acting Head of Corporate and Stakeholders Affairs, Nickson Ahabwe as Head of Internal Audit, and Richard Opio as Head of Technology and Applications. Francis Ddamulira and Christine Atuhairwe will manage applications and human resources, respectively.

Addressing Infrastructure Deficits and Financial Challenges

UEDCL inherited a distribution network grappling with overloaded transformers, weak protection systems, and aging equipment when it took over from Umeme Limited over a year ago. The company has since faced numerous power blackouts, impacting its financial performance. The company has been seeking financing to invest in network upgrades. A positive development in this regard was the memorandum of understanding signed in December 2025 with Absa Bank, securing a Shs 190 billion ($50 million) loan for network improvements. Ms. Rwakakooko expressed confidence in the team's collective ability to ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity supply, which she stated is crucial for the country's socio-economic transformation.

The bottom line

• UEDCL's acting MD, Joselynne Rwakakooko, has initiated a significant management reshuffle.
• The changes follow the termination of the Board Chairperson and the forced leave of the former Managing Director.
• Several senior officials have been asked to step aside pending a probe into their conduct.
• The new appointments aim to bring stability and expertise during a critical transition period for the utility company.
• UEDCL faces the challenge of upgrading an aging electricity distribution network inherited from Umeme Limited.
• A Shs 190 billion loan from Absa Bank is earmarked for network improvements.