UEDCL blames local transformer manufacturers for power outages

What the report says

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) says unreliable power supply is being worsened by a shortage of transformers, which it attributes in part to local manufacturers’ inability to meet rising demand. According to The Observer, UEDCL now plans to import at least 1,000 transformers over the next three months while still looking to support domestic suppliers.

The company’s procurement head, Innocent Byamukama, said UEDCL has committed more than Shs 104 billion to local manufacturers, but production capacity has not matched the scale of need. He said the utility is considering regional and international sourcing to help fill the gap. The issue comes as UEDCL faces pressure from a fast-growing customer base and expanding electricity demand, especially in Greater Kampala, where industrial and residential growth has increased strain on the network.

Acting managing director Eng. Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko said UEDCL has already replaced more than 1,343 transformers and is working on short-, medium- and long-term measures to improve reliability. She said some lines and transformers are overloaded, causing voltage drops, faults and longer outages. The company also cited vandalism and electricity theft as added problems that disrupt service and undermine investment planning.

UEDCL says it is pursuing a five-year investment programme worth $994 million, or about Shs 3.7 trillion, to expand the network, replace aging equipment and add capacity. The utility says it wants to restore power faster in affected areas, but improvements are expected to come gradually as projects are completed.