{"id":14870,"date":"2025-07-14T16:52:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T16:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ugandaupdatenews.com\/?p=14870"},"modified":"2025-07-14T16:52:45","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T16:52:45","slug":"uedcl-powers-local-content-with-ugx-285-billion-energy-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/uedcl-powers-local-content-with-ugx-285-billion-energy-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"UEDCL Powers Local Content with UGX 285 Billion Energy Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By Zulfah Namatovu<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has called on energy sector players to take advantage of its planned investment budget of USD 74 million (approximately UGX 285 billion) for the Financial Year 2025\/2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UEDCL, a government-owned parastatal, is mandated to own and manage Uganda\u2019s electricity distribution network at 33 kV and below, serving both domestic and commercial customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking at the 3rd Annual Power &amp; Elec Uganda International Expo 2025, UEDCL Managing Director ,Paul Mwesigwa, revealed that the company is partnering with several private institutions across its supply chain to enhance participation and economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis year, we have an investment budget of USD 74 million to support procurement and supplies.\u201d We\u2019ve opened more than 10 slots for the supply of transformers, meters, cables, and other equipment. This is to ensure equitable participation in the sector. We\u2019re encouraging interested players to submit their bids,\u201d Mwesigwa stated .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;He added that UEDCL is also expanding its workforce, targeting to grow from 2,600 to more than 3,600 employees, with an immediate addition of 102 new staff and a larger pipeline of around 900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Highlighting the company\u2019s commitment to local content, Mwesigwa said, \u201cIt\u2019s our philosophy to support the national economy through the Buy Uganda, Build Uganda initiative. We procure all products used in our network locally whenever possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;He also revealed that the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) has accredited UEDCL to award contracts for meters valued up to UGX 24 billion to local firms. This is a deviation from the standard requirement of international bidding for procurements above USD 1 million (approx. UGX 3.6 billion).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director of the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), emphasised the importance of visibility in promoting clean energy technologies. \u201cFor years, we\u2019ve discussed climate financing globally, but with little tangible action. With this exhibition, which we began three years ago, we aim to change that by showcasing real technologies\u2014not just theories in papers and textbooks.There is nothing more effective than people seeing the innovations with their own eyes,\u201d Rybanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Digvijay Singh, CEO of Exhibitions &amp; Trade Services India Pvt. Ltd, noted that this year\u2019s expo spans diverse sectors including power, energy, electricals, electronics, lighting, solar, transformers, and cables. Over 100 exhibitors from at least eight countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe are expected, alongside more than 4,000 professional visitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He praised Uganda\u2019s energy sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), and UEDCL, for their strong support, which has made previous editions of the expo a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Held under the theme \u201cThe Future of Energy: Smart, Clean, and Connected,\u201d this year\u2019s exhibition aligns with Uganda\u2019s broader energy goals. It features interactive sessions, business-to-business meetings, and showcases by companies and experts in solar energy, renewables, lighting, battery storage, telecommunications, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dan Malon, Chairperson of the Board at the Uganda National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Alliance (UNREEEA), reiterated the organisation\u2019s role as the apex body championing private sector participation in renewable energy and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u201cThe expo is crucial in driving business linkages, technology transfer, and unlocking new opportunities in the energy sector. It empowers stakeholders with the resources and networks needed to deliver transformative energy solutions,\u201d Malon said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Bateebe, at the official opening, Eng. Abdon Atwine, Commissioner for Rural Electrification, emphasised the strategic importance of the exhibition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis event comes at a pivotal time as Uganda implements its Energy Transition Plan,\u201d Eng. Atwine said. \u201cWe are phasing out obsolete technologies, improving efficiency, and accelerating the shift to renewable energy and clean transport in line with the Paris Agreement and Uganda\u2019s Nationally Determined Contributions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;He described the three-day Expo that ends on Saturday as a catalyst for innovation and investment across Uganda\u2019s energy landscape. \u201cFrom clean cooking and mini-grids to our nuclear energy ambitions, we are laying the foundation for Vision 2040 and the aspirations of every Ugandan household and enterprise,\u201d he noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Editor:msserwanga@gmail.com<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Zulfah Namatovu The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has called on energy sector players to take advantage of<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14872,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[65,367],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14870","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-news","category-energy-sector"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/download-1-1.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14525,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/uedcl-projects-225000-new-power-connections-to-boost-distribution\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":0},"title":"UEDCL projects 225,000 New Power Connections to boost distribution","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"May 28, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) is marking two months since it took over from Umeme as the national electricity distribution company and today has made an accountability report in which it highlighted the milestones so far registered and the challenges it is encountering as it works to revitalize its\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;National News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_870x_683701fc287e7-1.webp","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_870x_683701fc287e7-1.webp 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_870x_683701fc287e7-1.webp 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image_870x_683701fc287e7-1.webp 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14168,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/new-era-as-umeme-exits-and-hands-over-assets-to-uedcl-yaka-to-be-called-light\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":1},"title":"New Era As Umeme  Exits And Hands Over Assets  To UEDCL : Yaka To Be Called Light","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"March 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Zulfah Namatovu In Kampala The electricity distribution sector has entered a new era as Umeme officially handed over its assets to the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), marking the end of its 20-year concession. The transition is part of Uganda\u2019s second-generation energy reforms aimed at improving financial sustainability,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;National News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ume5.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ume5.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/ume5.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14082,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/energy-minister-nankabirwa-assures-ugandans-about-electricty-supply-stability-when-umeme-exits-the-market-on-april1st2025\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":2},"title":"Energy Minister Nankabirwa Assures Ugandans About Electricty Supply Stability When Umeme Exits The Market on April1st,2025","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"March 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa has assured Ugandans about government\u2019s commitment to steady supply of electricity under Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) after Umeme's 20-year concession expires on March 30, 2025. \u201cThe Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) wishes to reaffirm the Government\u2019s full\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;National News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"National News","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/national-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/nan.jpg","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17034,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/energy-minister-fires-uedcl-board-chairperson-suspends-md-mwesigwa-and-appoints-eng-rwakakooko-in-acting-capacity\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":3},"title":"Energy Minister Fires UEDCL Board Chairperson, Suspends MD Mwesigwa And Appoints Eng.Rwakakooko In Acting Capacity","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"May 3, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"After firing \u00a0theUganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng Obbo and suspending long serving Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa , Energy Minister , Ruth Nankabirwa has now appointed Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko asacting Managing Director. \u00a0Rwakakooko has been serving as the UEDCL chief commercial and operations officer.\u00a0Nankabirwa also appointed\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Energy Sector&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Energy Sector","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy-sector\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rwa.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rwa.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/rwa.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13533,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ugandans-happy-as-uedcl-takes-over-umeme-functions-to-distribute-sell-power-in-uganda\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":4},"title":"Ugandans Happy As UEDCL Takes Over Umeme Functions To Distribute And Sell Power In Uganda","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"January 1, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Government committed to lower the cost of electricity and increase connectivity \u2013 Minister Nankabirwa By Zulfah Namatovu In Kampala The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has been granted a license to distribute and sell electricity in Uganda taking over from Umeme Limited, which many Ugandans says has been incompetent\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Energy Sector&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Energy Sector","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy-sector\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/umeme-4.jpg","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":8709,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ministry-of-energy-ps-irene-bateebe-says-govt-will-pay-us-215m-to-acquire-umeme-majority-shares\/","url_meta":{"origin":14870,"position":5},"title":"MINISTRY OF ENERGY PS IRENE BATEEBE SAYS GOVT WILL PAY US $ 215M TO ACQUIRE UMEME MAJORITY SHARES","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"April 11, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"By Our Parliamentary Reporters The permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Eng. Irene Bateebe has said that by December 2022 the buy out price for power distributor - Umeme was at USDs 215m. Eng. Bateebe said that Uganda Electricity distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) requires USDs 158M\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Energy&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/images.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/images.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/images.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0aOV-3RQ","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14870","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14870"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14870\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14873,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14870\/revisions\/14873"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14872"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14870"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14870"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14870"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}