A major leadership overhaul has taken place at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited), following government action that has seen top executives removed and others temporarily suspended as authorities embark on a wide-ranging review of the utility’s management.
In an official communication released on May 2, 2026, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development) confirmed that the Board Chairperson has been relieved of duties while the Managing Director has been placed on mandatory leave pending a comprehensive institutional assessment.
The ministry explained that the decision forms part of a governance and performance review intended to reinforce accountability and improve efficiency within the electricity distribution sector. However, it did not disclose detailed reasons for the leadership changes.
The move follows earlier reports indicating that senior figures at UEDCL had been quietly stepped aside, including Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo and Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa, amid internal scrutiny of operations and management practices.
To ensure continuity of service, government authorities have swiftly put transitional arrangements in place. Shareholders appointed an interim Board Chairperson, while the board designated an Acting Managing Director to oversee day-to-day operations during the review period.
Officials emphasized that the restructuring is administrative in nature and not triggered by any immediate crisis within the institution. They stressed that the goal is to strengthen institutional performance and ensure better service delivery to electricity consumers.
Despite the leadership shake-up, the ministry reassured the public that electricity supply and distribution across Uganda will remain stable and uninterrupted, noting that operational systems within UEDCL continue to function normally.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development further called for calm and cooperation from stakeholders, stating that the ongoing reforms are part of broader efforts to enhance governance, efficiency, and long-term sustainability in Uganda’s power distribution network.
About the Author
