This large‑scale programme is designed for the period from 2026 to 2030 and was developed in response to the need to improve network reliability following the increasing number of failures caused by overloaded substations, worn‑out transformers, deteriorating power lines, and delays in infrastructure upgrades. For 2026 alone, the Office of Electricity Regulation has approved $50.1 million for new capital investments, and the implementation of projects that were rescheduled from 2025, amounting to $70.2 million, will continue, which increases the total investment portfolio for the current year to $120.3 million.
The company reported that its priorities remain to accelerate project implementation, obtain full regulatory approval for completed work, and comply with the requirements established by law, despite ongoing delays in procurement procedures, which continue to slow down execution. «To address both the immediate issues related to network reliability and the long‑term structural needs of the distribution system, UEDCL has developed a comprehensive system of measures based on four strategic pillars», the company’s report states. This strategy combines accelerated maintenance, systemic infrastructure investments, annual asset maintenance, and strengthened governance mechanisms to improve efficiency and accountability.
The bulk of the five‑year budget will be allocated to expanding access to electricity ($579 million); $251.9 million is earmarked for improving the reliability of supplies, $209.2 million for replacing outdated assets, and $56 million for modernizing metering systems. Among the key projects are the consolidation of the Namungoona and Buloba substations, the reconstruction of the Queensway and Kampala South substations, the reinforcement of the 33 kV eastern power ring in Kampala, the purchase of a mobile substation for emergency response, and the replacement of outdated Conlog prepayment meters installed between 2010 and 2014.
In addition to major infrastructure initiatives, UEDCL has prioritized operational measures, including the replacement of worn‑out substations, transformers and poles, the expansion of overloaded feeders, the installation of additional distribution transformers in areas with high demand, the strengthening of network redundancy, as well as the intensification of vegetation clearing and preventive maintenance.
The company’s latest maintenance report shows mixed results. The vegetation clearing work exceeded the planned targets: 34,206 km were cleared against a target of 30,100 km, which corresponds to 114% of the annual plan. The transformer replacement also exceeded expectations: 1,110 units were installed against a target of 853, i.e., 130% was achieved. However, a number of critical areas are behind schedule, including the inspection of low‑voltage lines, transformer maintenance, load balancing, replacement of poles, and installation of protective equipment on branch lines.
The company attributed the delay to difficulties in engaging contractors, unfavorable weather conditions, a shortage of materials, and the need for urgent repair work. The legacy of 2025 remains significant: projects worth $70.47 million have been carried over to 2026, including major work at the Magigye, Kasese, and Kanyantorogo substations.
At present, only projects worth $1.31 million have been completed, while the bulk of the portfolio is still in the procurement, construction, or planning stages. Similarly, the implementation of the recently approved capital investment program for 2026 is at an early stage: the overall weighted progress is only 1.15%, as most projects are still going through the planning, procurement, and contract preparation stages.
To improve results, UEDCL has implemented a weekly reliability monitoring system that tracks the causes of outages, recovery times, feeder performance, transformer failures, and the progress of project implementation. «The management is striving to restore the reliability of the network and ensure a safe, stable, efficient, and sustainable electricity distribution system that meets the needs of all Ugandans», the report states.
The company claims that sustainable investments, accelerated procurement, improved contractor mobilization, and stricter monitoring will be decisive factors in shaping a more reliable electricity distribution system over the next 5 years, as electricity demand in Uganda continues to grow.
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