HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I At long last, Government has decided to move decisively against top leadership failures at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, sacking Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng Obbo and sending Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa on forced leave over persistent operational inefficiencies.
The sweeping action, announced by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa on May 2, 2026, follows months of mounting public frustration over unreliable electricity supply across the country. The decision is grounded in findings from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), which highlighted serious performance gaps within the state-owned distributor.
At the core of the government’s intervention are widespread operational failures. A comprehensive assessment revealed a steady decline in electricity reliability, characterised by frequent outages and slow restoration of power. These disruptions have affected businesses, manufacturers and households, undermining productivity and raising questions about the utility’s capacity to manage the national distribution network.
Equally troubling were deep-rooted managerial and governance shortcomings. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development cited weak human resource management systems that have compromised staff performance and accountability. Delays in implementing critical ICT systems further limited the company’s ability to monitor faults, manage data and respond efficiently to network challenges.
Procurement inefficiencies also played a central role in the decision. Investigations found that delays in acquiring essential repair materials and equipment significantly slowed maintenance works and infrastructure upgrades. This, in turn, worsened outage response times and hindered expansion efforts to meet growing electricity demand.
The backlog in new electricity connections emerged as another major concern. Thousands of prospective consumers have faced prolonged waiting periods, frustrating government’s efforts to expand access to electricity as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
In a statement, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the action was necessary to restore efficiency and accountability within the institution. “These changes are intended to address critical performance gaps, strengthen governance, and ensure reliable electricity supply to all Ugandans,” the ministry noted.
Interim leadership has since been appointed to steer the company as reforms are implemented. The government has emphasised that restoring stability in power distribution is a national priority, especially as Uganda positions itself for increased industrial growth.
