COSASE turns away UEDCL bosses over missing appointment instruments

What the report says

Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has suspended its review of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) officials after they arrived without documents showing they were properly appointed and authorized to act for the utility. The session, led by committee chair Muwada Nkunyingi, was cut short as lawmakers said they could not proceed until the officials returned with formal appointment letters and statutory instruments.

According to Nile Post, the committee also raised broader concerns about management at UEDCL, including several positions being held in an acting capacity and questions about staffing, reshuffles and suspensions linked to earlier oversight by the Ministry of Energy and the sector regulator. The lawmakers said the company should explain why some roles remain unsettled and why several staff changes have affected senior managers and board members.

The standoff delayed scrutiny of multiple audit findings from the latest report by the Auditor General. Those issues included rolled-over and unplanned procurements, purchases made without market assessments, contract awards without approval, and gaps in asset and property records. The audit also flagged delays in replacing faulty electricity meters, which it said can contribute to power theft and commercial losses.

COSASE ordered the UEDCL delegation to return on Tuesday afternoon with the required documents, alongside responses to the audit queries. The committee also called for the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, the UEDCL board, the energy minister and current management to appear together, underscoring the significance of the inquiry for oversight of Uganda’s public power distributor.