Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has undertaken a sweeping top management reshuffle in what analysts describe as a strategic attempt to stabilize operations, strengthen technical efficiency and improve electricity service delivery across the country.
The changes follow the appointment of Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director after the Ministry of Energy placed former Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa on forced leave in May 2026.
In a management communication issued on May 6, 2026, the UEDCL leadership announced the appointment of eight acting senior managers to key departments, describing the move as part of broader institutional restructuring intended to improve operational efficiency and strengthen service delivery.
According to the UEDCL management team document, the appointments are intended to “strengthen technical, commercial and human resource functions in order to support efficient operations and improve customer service delivery.”
Under the reshuffle, Eng. Sylver Hategekimana was appointed Acting Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, a role considered central to reducing power outages and improving network reliability.
The management document states that the technical department is expected to “enhance system stability, accelerate response to faults and improve maintenance planning across the distribution network.”
Industry observers say the placement of a new technical head comes at a critical time when Uganda’s electricity consumers continue to demand improved reliability amid recurring outages in several regions.
The reshuffle also elevated Isaac Katewanga to head commercial operations as Chief Commercial Officer.
Boosting revenue collection
According to the management communication, the commercial department will focus on “improving revenue collection efficiency, reducing commercial losses and strengthening customer engagement mechanisms.”
The commercial arm remains one of the most sensitive areas within the power distributor because of persistent concerns over illegal connections, unpaid bills and power theft, which continue to affect sector revenues.
In the human resource department, Samuel Omoding was appointed Acting Head of Human Resource and Administration, while Christine Atuhaire was named Acting Manager HR Officer for Business Partners.
The UEDCL management document says the restructuring is intended to “improve staff coordination, performance management and institutional accountability.”
The company also appointed Stephen Ilungole as Acting Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs to strengthen public communication and stakeholder engagement.
According to the document, the department will support “transparent communication with customers, government agencies, development partners and the general public.”
Meanwhile, Nickson Ahabwe was appointed Acting Head of Internal Audit in a move expected to reinforce internal controls and compliance systems.
The management team emphasized that stronger audit functions are necessary to “promote accountability, operational transparency and prudent management of company resources.”
In the technology department, Richard Opiyo was appointed Acting Head of Technology and Applications, while Francis Ddamulira became Acting Manager for Applications.
Modernising power distribution
The management document notes that digital transformation remains one of the company’s priorities as it seeks to modernize electricity distribution systems and improve customer experience.
“The technology and applications function is expected to support innovation, systems automation and improved operational efficiency,” the document states.
The reshuffle comes at a time when UEDCL is under growing pressure to deliver reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity following the end of the Umeme concession earlier this year.
Energy sector analysts say the changes could help reposition the company during the transition period, especially if the acting team succeeds in addressing long-standing technical and commercial challenges.
According to the UEDCL management communication, the interim appointments are expected to remain in place “until substantive appointments are finalized.”
The document further stresses that the restructuring aims at “ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply across Uganda.”
Experts believe the restructuring could have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s energy sector, particularly in areas of customer confidence, operational efficiency and investment attraction.
The appointment of Eng. Rwakakooko has especially drawn attention because of her previous role as Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, where she was closely involved in electricity distribution management and customer service operations.
Analysts argue that her background in commercial and operational systems may help UEDCL improve revenue performance while simultaneously tackling network inefficiencies.
Industrialization agenda
The technical restructuring is also likely to influence Uganda’s industrialization agenda, which heavily depends on stable and affordable electricity supply.
Manufacturers and business operators have repeatedly cited power interruptions as a major obstacle to productivity and competitiveness.
If the new management team succeeds in reducing outages and improving operational responsiveness, it could significantly boost investor confidence and support Uganda’s broader economic growth ambitions.
The emphasis on technology and applications is equally seen as critical in modernizing electricity distribution systems, especially through automation, smart monitoring and digital customer service platforms.
The UEDCL management team insists that the restructuring is part of a wider transformation agenda aimed at strengthening institutional capacity during a critical transition period for Uganda’s power distribution sector.
“Our focus remains on improving efficiency, strengthening accountability and delivering better services to electricity consumers across the country,” the management document states.
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