Exit of Umeme will not affect power users - UEGCL
Umeme is expected to exit the electricity distribution market at the end of its concession in March. Photo / File
What you need to know:
- Discussions have been ongoing about the transition to a new distributor, UEDCL, which will take over after Umeme's departure.
Power generating companies in Uganda have reassured the public of uninterrupted electricity supply, even after the expiration of Umeme's contract.
In a joint statement, Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) and Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) confirmed that power production in the country remains stable, with enough capacity to meet demand.
“Currently, we are producing 2,056 Megawatts of electricity, which will continue to be maintained on the grid. Therefore, the exit of Umeme will not affect power users,” said Enock Kusasira, the UEGCL Spokesperson.
Kusasira explained that Umeme has primarily been managing the distribution of power generated by UEGCL and BEL.
However, the power plants at both UEGCL’s Karuma, Isimba, Nalubaale, and Kiira stations, and BEL’s Bujagali station, are still fully operational and capable of supplying power directly.
To reinforce their partnership, the top management of UEGCL and BEL recently met at the Bujagali Dam to review safety measures critical to power generation.
Dr Harrison Mutikanga, the CEO of Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), praised the high safety standards at the Bujagali hydro-power station.
“We are all in the business of power generation, and I’m pleased to say that the safety systems at Bujagali are excellent,” Dr Mutikanga said.
“Our discussions have focused on ensuring that safety protocols are maintained across all stations,” he added.
Both companies also agreed to collaborate on safety practices, with staff rotating between various plants to ensure high operational standards.
Alaister McDougall, the General Manager of BEL, stressed that the departure of Umeme would not disrupt power supply.
“Umeme’s role was in marketing the power we generate. With Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) set to replace Umeme, the same quantity of power will continue to be supplied to consumers,” McDougall explained.
With this shift in distribution management, the companies mid-week assured that there will be no gaps in service for consumers who were previously served by Umeme.
Umeme in Uganda
Umeme is expected to exit the electricity distribution market at the end of its concession in March, and discussions have been ongoing about the transition to a new distributor, UEDCL, which will take over after Umeme's departure.
