Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Ousts Top Management Amidst Probe

Key facts

• Joselynne Rwakakooko appointed acting Managing Director of UEDCL on May 2, 2026.
• Paul Mwesigwa, the previous MD, was placed on forced leave.
• The Chairperson of the Board's services were terminated.
• UEDCL inherited a distribution network with significant infrastructure defects in March 2025.
• in December 2025 highlighted governance and financial concerns.
• Absa Bank provided a Shs 190 billion ($50 million) loan for network upgrades.
• UEDCL had over $100 million in its operating account by early 2026, with only 2% spent.

New Leadership Takes Helm Amidst Governance Review

Joselynne Rwakakooko has been appointed the acting Managing Director of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), effective May 2, 2026. This move follows a significant governance shake-up initiated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Her appointment, confirmed by Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho, the newly installed Interim Board Chairperson, signals a transition period for the state utility. The changes come as a probe into previous officials commences, leading to several being asked to step aside. Rwakakooko, formerly the company’s chief commercial and operations officer, steps into the role previously held by Paul Mwesigwa, who has been placed on forced leave. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Canon Ruth Nankabirwa, stated these actions are part of routine oversight aimed at strengthening institutional performance and accountability.

Sweeping Changes Target Management and Board

The governance review has extended beyond the managing director position. The services of the Chairperson of the Board have been terminated, and other senior officials have also been asked to step aside following the commencement of investigations. To ensure operational continuity, shareholders have appointed an interim board chairperson. This interim leadership is tasked with overseeing the company during this critical transition phase. Rwakakooko, in an internal memo dated May 6, 2026, expressed confidence in the collective ability to deliver reliable and affordable electricity. "Please accord them all the necessary support in the execution of their new mandate. I am confident in our collective ability to deliver a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply that will shape our country's social-economic transformation," Rwakakooko stated in the memo to staff.

Inherited Challenges and Operational Pressures

UEDCL took over Uganda's electricity distribution network from Umeme Limited just over a year ago, on March 31, 2025. Since then, the company has grappled with significant challenges inherited from the previous concessionaire. The distribution network, comprising 33kV lines and under, was burdened by overloaded transformers, weak protection systems, and equipment that had exceeded its design life. Documents indicate UEDCL inherited 113 faulty transformers around Kampala and over 63 nationwide. These infrastructural deficiencies, coupled with interruptions on the transmission grid causing over 2,000 hours of outages, have led to numerous power blackouts across the country, impacting the company's financial performance.

Governance and Financial Scrutiny Intensify

Adding to the operational pressures, an released in December 2025 highlighted governance and financial concerns within intensified calls for decisive leadership action and robust oversight. Despite being allowed to collect substantial funds from tariffs for operations—$37 million in early 2025 and an additional $20 million later—and securing a $50 million loan from Absa Bank for network upgrades, Ministry of Energy sources claimed that by early 2026, more than $100 million was in UEDCL's operating account, with only approximately 2 percent having been spent. The company also faced challenges in sourcing financing for essential investments in the distribution network, although a memorandum of understanding with Absa Bank in December 2025 granted a Shs 190 billion loan for network upgrades.

Continuity Amidst Crisis: Rwakakooko's Profile

Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko's elevation is notable for its emphasis on institutional continuity during a period of crisis. Promoting an insider rather than an external appointee suggests a strategy to leverage existing knowledge within the company. As chief commercial and operations officer, she was directly responsible for customer service management, network operations, and emergency response systems—areas that have faced intense public scrutiny. Her prior roles at Umeme Ltd, including customer service engineering manager and head of network operations, provide her with two decades of experience in Uganda's electricity distribution sector. Colleagues describe her as a results-oriented leader with a reputation for practical problem-solving and operational discipline. These qualities will be crucial as she navigates the complex task of revitalizing UEDCL's infrastructure and operations.

The Road Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Infrastructure

The immediate future for UEDCL under its new acting leadership involves addressing the deep-seated infrastructure deficits and rebuilding public trust. The company must demonstrate tangible progress in improving service delivery and reducing the frequency of blackouts. Key priorities will include the effective deployment of funds for network upgrades, addressing technical and commercial system losses, and enhancing the reliability of substations and transformers. The company's ability to secure further financing and manage its operational budget efficiently will also be critical. UEDCL's success in overcoming these hurdles will not only determine its own future but also significantly impact Uganda's social-economic transformation, which is heavily reliant on a stable and efficient electricity supply.

The bottom line

• A significant leadership overhaul has occurred at UEDCL, with the appointment of an acting Managing Director and changes to the Board.
• The changes are driven by a governance review prompted by operational and financial concerns, including infrastructure defects and under-spending of available funds.
• New MD Joselynne Rwakakooko brings extensive internal experience from UEDCL and Umeme Ltd, emphasizing continuity in leadership.
• UEDCL faces substantial challenges inherited from Umeme, including a network with faulty transformers and outdated equipment.
• Financial resources, including a Shs 190 billion loan, are available for network upgrades, but efficient utilization is a key concern.
• The company's performance is critical for Uganda's broader economic development, making its turnaround efforts closely watched.