Musenero explains power blackouts

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that Energy Minister Dr Monica Musenero Masanza has apologised to electricity consumers after weeks of widespread power outages in Kampala and other parts of Uganda. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday, Musenero said the sector had not communicated well enough about planned disconnections linked to repairs and upgrades on the distribution network. She said the blackouts had affected homes, businesses, industries and public institutions.

According to the report, Musenero said the problem is not a shortage of electricity generation, but pressure on ageing transmission and distribution infrastructure as demand, industrial activity and customer connections grow. Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited Managing Director Eng. Jocelyne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko said Uganda has about 2.7 million electricity customers, national access of 62 percent, more than 76,000 new grid connections since January, and over 500,000 pending applicants.

Officials identified several causes, including the JICA-funded Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project, overloaded parts of the network, routine maintenance shutdowns and vandalism of electricity infrastructure. The project, reported as 91 percent complete, includes substation upgrades, reinforcement of key transmission lines and a mobile substation for Greater Kampala, with completion expected by August 8, 2026.

The government said it is fast-tracking transmission works, reinforcing overloaded substations and feeders, replacing old transformers, buying more mobile substations and expanding preventive maintenance. Electricity Regulatory Authority CEO Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako linked the investments to the Electricity Act, 2022, the National Energy Policy, 2023, and NDP IV goals on reliable power for economic growth. Officials maintained the disruptions are temporary, but necessary to strengthen the grid.