Kampala, Uganda — Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa has urged Umeme, the main power distributor in Uganda, to minimize power outages as the company’s concession comes to an end next week.
In a statement issued on Twitter, Minister Nankabirwa acknowledged the current power supply constraints affecting parts of the country and assured that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) is committed to ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy future for Uganda.
The Minister attributed the recent power outages to critical equipment failures, capacity constraints, vandalism, theft, and bush fires. She noted that urgent maintenance and upgrade activities are ongoing to address these challenges.
Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the need for Umeme to “finish strong” as the company’s concession ends on April 1, 2025. She encouraged the company to minimize outages and ensure a smooth transition.
The MEMD has prioritized operational maintenance activities to resolve reliability issues across the network and improve the efficiency of the power supply system. The Ministry has also allocated necessary funds to address critical issues and ensure continuity of service.
The public has been urged to avoid activities that could compromise the integrity of the national power grid, such as vandalism and bush burning.
Umeme’s concession ends on April 1, 2025, and the company is expected to hand over its operations to a new entity. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has assured that it is working to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions to the power supply.
