Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,108
- 575
Areas such as Mbuya, Namugongo and communities along Entebbe Road have in recent months experienced frequent electricity interruptions, leaving many customers frustrated as blackouts disrupt daily activities and business operations.
According to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), the outages are largely being driven by a surge in electricity demand that has outpaced existing infrastructure capacity. The company cites overloaded transformers, aging network components and other technical challenges as some of the key factors behind the recurring power interruptions.
The affected areas are among the fastest-growing residential and commercial zones in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. Increased urbanization, new housing developments, shopping centres and industrial activities have placed additional pressure on electricity infrastructure that was designed to serve smaller populations.
For households, the outages have disrupted normal routines, forcing residents to rely on alternative energy sources such as generators, solar systems and rechargeable lighting. Businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, say the unreliable power supply has increased operational costs and affected productivity.
Some business owners report losses resulting from interrupted services, damaged electrical equipment and additional fuel expenses for backup generators. Others say customers have been forced to postpone activities that rely heavily on electricity, further impacting revenues.
In response to the growing public concern, UEDCL has announced plans to strengthen the electricity distribution network. The company says USD 125 million has been committed toward network improvement projects aimed at addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and improving power reliability across affected areas.
The planned interventions include upgrading overloaded transformers, reinforcing distribution lines, expanding network capacity and addressing technical weaknesses that have contributed to the frequent outages.
While the investment has been welcomed by consumers, many remain eager to know when tangible improvements will be felt on the ground. UEDCL has indicated that some relief could begin to materialize within three to six months, although the effectiveness of the upgrades will ultimately depend on the pace of implementation and the continued growth in electricity demand.
