UEDCL Plans Substation Upgrades to Ease Power Shortages in Greater Kampala

What the report says

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) says it is stepping up upgrades to the power network in Greater Kampala and Wakiso District to reduce outages caused by rising demand from homes, businesses and industry. According to Nile Post, the utility is expanding Kawanda Substation, adding new lines and preparing future substations in Matugga and Kakiri as pressure on the distribution system increases in growing urban areas.

One immediate project is the upgrade of a power line at Kawanda Substation, after additional capacity was allocated by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited. UEDCL Area Engineer Peter Mwondha said the company shifted from an underground copper cable design to an overhead line to improve security and maintenance, and to limit disruptions linked to theft and vandalism. He said the work is close to completion and is expected to improve reliability for more than 4,000 customers in Kakiri, Kawempe and Namulonge, among other nearby communities.

The utility also says longer-term work is advancing at Kawanda, where capacity is planned to double from 40 MVA to 80 MVA. Acting Managing Director Joselynne R. Rwabwogo said the expansion is targeted for completion before the end of 2026. UEDCL is also preparing Matugga Substation, while a second line from Kakiri Substation is being readied to support growth along the Hoima Road corridor.

The projects matter because frequent electricity interruptions can affect household supply, business costs and industrial productivity. UEDCL says the investments are intended to keep pace with Greater Kampala’s rapid urbanisation and rising power consumption.