The Apology: Musenero Says Sorry for Power Outages, Pledges Stable Supply

The Government has apologised to Ugandans for the persistent power outages experienced across the country, attributing the disruptions to ongoing electricity transmission and distribution network upgrades aimed at improving the reliability of power supply.

Addressing journalists in Kampala on Wednesday, Energy and Mineral Development Minister Monica Musenero said the outages were a result of major infrastructure improvement works being undertaken to strengthen the national grid amid rising electricity demand.

She explained that the growing number of electricity consumers has necessitated the replacement of ageing transmission lines, installation of new substations and expansion of the distribution network, resulting in intermittent power interruptions, particularly during peak demand hours.

“We are sorry about that. We apologise. Our communication was not sufficient to reach the public,” Musenero said, apologising on behalf of the Government and electricity distributors.

The minister acknowledged that the outages had caused significant inconvenience and business losses, particularly in Kampala, where areas along the Kampala North–Namanve and Kampala North–Mutundwe transmission lines have been the hardest hit. The affected areas include Kyambogo University, Kololo, Ntinda, Kisaasi, Kulambiro, Makerere, Kawempe, Kasubi, Namungoona and Nabweru, among others. Districts such as Mbale and Kakumiro have also experienced intermittent power interruptions.

Musenero said the Ministry, working with the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, expects to stabilise the network within the next six months.

She said ongoing projects under the Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project include the integration of new substations and replacement of ageing conductors. Planned outages will continue between July 31 and August 8 to facilitate works affecting areas such as Masanafu, Kinonya, Bukulugi, Lugala, Lusaza, Kigobe, Natete, Busega and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Data from the ministry shows that Uganda has connected more than 76,000 new electricity customers, bringing the total number of grid-connected consumers to 2.7 million and increasing national electricity access to 62%. Data further indicates that UEDCL targets to connect an additional 300,000 customers over the next five years.

UEDCL Managing Director Joselynne Rwabogo urged the public to cooperate whenever planned maintenance notices are issued, saying the temporary disruptions are necessary to deliver a stronger, more resilient and reliable electricity network.

“These planned outages are necessary to allow the safe execution of upgrade works that will ultimately deliver a stronger, more resilient and more reliable electricity network,” Rwabogo said.

Government attributed the increasing strain on the power system to rapid growth in electricity demand, overloading of infrastructure, vandalism of electricity installations and population growth. Musenero urged the public to protect electricity infrastructure and report acts of vandalism to the relevant authorities.