The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has launched a UGX 16 billion project to upgrade the NkendaโKasese and NkendaโIshaka 33kV distribution lines, targeting frequent power outages in Kasese, Rubirizi, and Bushenyi districts.
The eight-month project will replace over 1,000 wooden poles with concrete poles, upgrade more than 100 kilometres of power lines, and install modern switching equipment to improve network reliability and accommodate growing electricity generation from regional hydropower plants.
UEDCL says the ageing infrastructure, bush fires, and increased demand from new hydropower plants have caused more than 500 hours of annual outages since 2022.
Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi welcomed the investment, saying it will boost reliable electricity supply and economic growth while urging communities to protect power infrastructure from vandalism.
According to UEDCL, the upgraded network will reduce unplanned outages, improve voltage stability, lower technical losses, and increase the capacity to evacuate electricity from hydropower plants in the Rwenzori region.
Customers should, however, expect scheduled power interruptions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the implementation period as upgrade works are carried out.
The project forms part of UEDCL’s broader strategy to strengthen electricity distribution infrastructure and deliver more reliable power supply across Uganda.
