Members of Parliament have raised concerns over the preparedness of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to manage the national grid, following a significant increase in electricity losses after the exit of Umeme. The MPs questioned the company’s ability to curb losses, which have risen substantially since Umeme’s concession ended. The increase in losses is attributed to various factors, including inadequate infrastructure, theft, and technical inefficiencies. The MPs urged the government to take swift action to address the issue, citing the need for urgent investment in the distribution network and the implementation of robust loss-reduction strategies. The concerns come at a time when the country is striving to increase access to electricity and improve the overall efficiency of the energy sector. As the sector regulator, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) is under pressure to ensure that UEDCL is equipped to manage the grid effectively and minimize losses. The MPs’ concerns highlight the need for a comprehensive review of the sector’s infrastructure and operational frameworks to ensure that the country’s energy goals are achieved.
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