UEDCL Fires Seven Suspended Senior Managers, MD's Fate Remains Unclear

[Da Dona]

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has terminated the contracts of seven senior managers who had been suspended since May, deepening the ongoing leadership changes at the state-owned electricity distributor.

The affected officials include Justine Nakagiri Ssemwanga, Head of Internal Audit; Boniface Barongo, Head of Human Resources and Administration; Beatrice Tumuheirwe, Manager Human Resources Business Partner; Jonan Kiiza, Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs; Protaze Tibyakinura, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer; Barbrah Kyomuhendo, Head of Technology and Applications; and Geoffrey Musafu, Manager of Applications.

📸:Justine Nakagiri Ssemwanga, Head of Internal Audit; Boniface Barongo, Head of Human Resources and Administration; Jonan Kiiza, Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs; and Protaze Tibyakinura, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, are among the seven senior UEDCL managers whose contracts have been terminated, photo by CEO E.A

The seven managers were initially sent on forced leave as the company launched reviews into management, workplace practices, and operational concerns. Their suspension was later extended as UEDCL continued assessing their roles and the wider performance of the institution.

Sources indicate that the managers were informed that their contracts would not be renewed beyond June 30, effectively ending their employment with the company.

The terminations come amid wider reforms at UEDCL following the government’s decision to take full control of electricity distribution after the expiry of Umeme’s 20-year concession in April 2025. Since then, the company has faced increased public scrutiny over electricity reliability, customer service, and operational efficiency.

The leadership changes also follow the removal of former UEDCL Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo and the suspension of Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa, who was sent on forced leave as part of the ongoing review.
While the seven senior managers have now exited the company, the fate of Mwesigwa remains undecided. No official communication has been issued on whether he will return to his position or whether further changes are expected at the top level of management.

In the interim, Engineer Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko has continued serving as Acting Managing Director as the government oversees the transition and restructuring process- photo by Nile post.

The latest shake-up represents one of the biggest management changes at UEDCL since it assumed responsibility for electricity distribution, with authorities saying the reforms are aimed at improving accountability, strengthening service delivery, and restoring confidence in Uganda’s power sector.

Source: Daily Monitor, CEO E.A​