*By John Kusolo*
On Tuesday, 22nd October 2024, during the Public Hearing for Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) License Applications at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala, the Managing Director of UEDCL, Paul Mwesigwa, made significant remarks regarding the company's vision and operational strategies. The hearing was held to discuss the impending takeover of UMEME Limited's concession, scheduled for April 2025.
In his address, Mwesigwa affirmed UEDCL's position as the owner of all distribution assets in Uganda, emphasizing that the company's operations are designed to serve the best interests of Ugandans. He outlined UEDCL’s operational approach, built on five key pillars: customer satisfaction, the availability and reliability of electricity, minimizing energy losses, maximizing revenue collection, and prioritizing safety.
*Customer Satisfaction:* Mwesigwa highlighted the company's unwavering commitment to ensuring that Ugandans receive top-notch service. He stressed that customer satisfaction is at the core of UEDCL’s operations, emphasizing the need for efficient service delivery to meet the growing demand for electricity across the country.
*Availability and Reliability of Electricity* : One of UEDCL’s primary goals, according to Mwesigwa, is to ensure that electricity is available and reliable in all regions of the country. He acknowledged that consistent power supply is critical for the country's economic growth and development, and UEDCL is dedicated to reducing interruptions and ensuring steady power access.
*Minimizing Energy Losses:* Mwesigwa spoke on the importance of minimizing energy losses, a critical issue in the power distribution sector. He pointed out that UEDCL is implementing measures to curb energy theft and technical losses in the distribution network, which will ultimately benefit both the company and consumers by lowering costs.
*Maximizing Revenue Collection:* To maintain a sustainable electricity distribution network, Mwesigwa noted that maximizing revenue collection is essential. He explained that UEDCL is investing in advanced metering and other technologies to enhance billing accuracy and ensure timely payment by customers, thus securing the financial health of the sector.
*Prioritizing Safety:* Mwesigwa also underscored UEDCL’s dedication to safety. The company is committed to adhering to the highest safety standards in the management of electricity infrastructure, both for its employees and consumers. This is part of UEDCL’s broader objective to safeguard lives and property.
The takeover of UMEME’s concession by UEDCL, set to occur in April 2025, was a key focus of the public hearing. Mwesigwa assured stakeholders that UEDCL is well-prepared for the transition, and that the company’s strategic approach will ensure a seamless takeover with no disruption in electricity distribution services.
He expressed confidence in UEDCL’s capacity to take over the concession and meet the country’s growing energy needs. Mwesigwa stated that UEDCL's operational efficiency, combined with its focus on innovation and customer-centric services, positions it to manage the distribution network effectively once UMEME's contract ends.
In his concluding remarks, Paul Mwesigwa reiterated UEDCL’s commitment to serving Ugandans. He noted that as Uganda’s economy continues to grow, the demand for electricity will rise, and UEDCL is ready to meet these challenges head-on. The company will continue to prioritize investments in infrastructure, technology, and human resources to deliver on its mandate.
Mwesigwa's address during the Public Hearing set the tone for UEDCL’s future as the leading electricity distributor in Uganda, focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and the welfare of Ugandans. With the upcoming UMEME concession takeover, UEDCL is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of Uganda’s energy sector.
The public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with UEDCL on its plans and vision for the future, with many expressing optimism about the company’s ability to drive growth in the electricity distribution sector post-2025.
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