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The recent surge in power outages, particularly in Kampala and surrounding regions on outgoing power distributors Umeme.
The company which is ceasing operations at the close of this month, is being accused of doing little to address power disruptions due to lack of morale.
Dr. Patricia Kevine Litho, a media and communications specialist at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, says there has been a decline in morale among Umeme staff as the company's concession nears its end.
"We think that they have lost morale because they are going away," Dr. Litho remarked on Saturday.
"You do notice now that the response rate is much lower even if they still have to work until March 30th. I believe this is why we are having these blackout issues."
The reduced responsiveness has led to prolonged outages, inconveniencing both residential and commercial consumers.
Cessation of Investments and Public Misconceptions
Further compounding the issue is Umeme's halt on new investments in infrastructure maintenance.
Dr. Litho noted, "It is important to note that Umeme is not making any more investments in broken-down equipment, and that has added to the challenge."
The transition according to Dr Litho, has also led to public confusion. Following the Ministry of Energy's announcement in January that the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) would take over from Umeme, many assumed the handover had already occurred.
This misconception, she says, has caused frustration among consumers who believe they are reverting to the era of severe inefficiency under the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB).
Dr. Litho however, allayed these concerns, stating, "Unfortunately, UEDCL is already facing public rage because when the Minister of Energy announced back in January that UEDCL was taking over from Umeme, people thought Umeme had already handed over; some people think we are back in the era of UEB. But we are not. We have learnt a lot along the way; our efficiency is much better."
Transition Details: Umeme to UEDCL
Umeme's 20-year concession officially expired on March 1, 2025. The formal handover of operations to UEDCL is scheduled for March 31, 2025.
This transition is part of the government's decision not to renew expiring distribution licenses held by private companies, aiming to consolidate electricity distribution under public management.
The government has assured the public of a seamless transition, with UEDCL set to take over operations effective April 1, 2025.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa expressed confidence that the transition would not disrupt service delivery.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the government's preparedness for this transition. Parliamentary committees have questioned the timing of the government's request for a US$190 million loan to facilitate Umeme's buyout, suggesting that the process appears rushed.