Government has announced major leadership changes at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), sacking the Board Chairperson and placing the Managing Director on forced leave as part of a governance and accountability review within the electricity distribution sector.
In a statement issued on 2nd May 2026 by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the government said the measures are aimed at strengthening oversight, improving institutional performance, and ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply and distribution services.
The Board Chairperson, identified as Eng. Robert K. Ssebunya, has been sacked, while the Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa, has been placed on forced leave pending a comprehensive review of management and operations at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited.
To maintain continuity, shareholders have appointed an interim Board Chairperson, while the Board has named an Acting Managing Director to oversee daily operations during the transition period.
The arrangements will remain in place until substantive replacements are appointed.The shake-up comes against the backdrop of ongoing challenges in Uganda’s electricity distribution system.
Following the end of the Umeme concession in March 2025, UEDCL assumed full operational control of distribution assets nationwide.
According to energy sector reports and local analyses, the company has since faced pressure related to inherited infrastructure constraints, technical losses, and network reliability challenges as it transitions to full state management.
Observers have also pointed to governance and performance expectations as key pressure points, with government and regulators closely monitoring service delivery efficiency during the transition period.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu confirmed the developments and emphasized that electricity supply remains stable.
She stated: “Uganda’s power supply remains stable and secure. However, to address emerging governance and accountability issues at Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited @UEDCLTD and strengthen oversight, the Government of Uganda @GovUganda and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development @MEMD_Uganda have undertaken targeted measures to safeguard service delivery and operational efficiency. These actions, led by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, are part of routine governance to reinforce accountability and institutional performance. I assure all Ugandans that electricity distribution services will continue uninterrupted during this transition.”
The Ministry has assured the public that the leadership changes will not affect electricity supply, noting that reforms are intended to strengthen institutional stability and improve long-term service delivery in the power sector.