By Justine Ecakara.
KUMI DISTRICT: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) has officially unveiled the Kumi power substation in Eastern Uganda to boost energy usage in the region.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facility on Monday 12th January 2026, the managing Director UEDCL, Paul Mwesigwa said the commissioning marks a significant milestone in service delivery.
Mr.Mwesigwa announced that Kumi substation is one of five substations upgraded across the country, with five more to be upgraded and new ones on the pipeline earmarked for establishment.
He noted that power demand has increased by 14% and enhanced its megawatts from 986 to 1,145 megawatts.
Innitially, the Kumi power substation, located along Wiggins Road was operating with only 1 megawatt but this has been upgraded to 2.5 megawatts, serving Kumi, Serere, Ngora, Palisa, and surrounding areas.
Mwesigwa cautioned against power vandalism and urged the community to report suspected cases to police.
He informed that Kumi substation is among the 5 substations which have been upgraded across the Country after the ones of Najana-Nkumbi, Kachili in Wakiso, Kabaale and Mubende substations.
According to Mwesigwa, the next plan is to enhance feeders from Kumi to Mbale, Kumi to Palisa, and Kumi to Opuyo substation in Soroti to ensure stable power supply.
UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa also highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting local industries through the Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy, sourcing materials from local manufacturers.
The chief guest the state Minister of Energy and mineral development, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot said the ministry is committed to reducing load shedding. He noted that the Eastern Region is now connected to Karuma, ensuring stable power supply.
Hon. Okaasai urged the population to utilize electricity for productive ventures like business and agriculture, creating employment opportunities and wealth.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to keeping power tariffs low, at 250 shillings.
Kumi Municipality MP, Silas Aogon, requested UEDCL to remove electricity tariffs on street lights in urban areas.
The upgrade aims to improve electricity supply reliability, reduce outages, and support growing demand.
The facility will enhance efficiency, improve load management, and reduce strain on existing infrastructure.
The Kumi power substation is now expected to benefit over 2,000 homesteads and it’s surrounding areas.
Hon. Okaasai emphasized the importance of protecting the electricity infrastructure, urging the community to report any cases of vandalism.
“The upgrade is targeted for industrialization and free trade area”, Okasai stated.
Mr. Okaasai urged various stakeholders to protect the gains of the electricity.
“Once power facility is commissioned it ceases from being a ministry property, it becomes a public property. I urge you to own the facility, why would you allow vandalism to take place, can we own this asset “, He stated.
He retaliated on the government’s commitment to keep power tariffs as lower as possible of 250 shillings.
Okaasai challenged the leadership of Kumi municipality to use the electricity to light its beautiful roundabout to and attract investors.
“Now that the government has upgraded the electricity and provided peace and security, let’s attract investors and tourists in Kumi”, Okasai said.
He stated that Uganda’s current electricity connection is at 62% with plans to have the whole country being connected with power 100% by the 2030.
Eng. Abdon Atwiine, the commissioner in-charge of Rural Electrification Department, emphasized the importance of protecting electricity infrastructure, saying, “We urge the public to be vigilant and actively safeguard electricity infrastructure.
“Reliable and sustainable power supply can only be achieved if we protect the system together”, he stated.
Eng. Daniel Olinga, the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company limited (UEDCL) regulator in-charge of Eastern Region encouraged the population to take advantage of the government programs to get connected with power at a reduced costs.
On his part, John Bosco Mubito, the Resident district commissioner of Kumi district extended deepest gratitude to his Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for providing peace, security, infrastructure like electricity and roads to Ugandans the power upgrade.
Nelson Mandela Elungat, the LC5 of Kumi district says the power will enhance employment to the town dwellers.
Christine Amongin Aporu, the NRM chairperson Kumi district thanked UEDCL for honoring the memo they presented to his Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni concerning the upgrade of Kumi power substation.
Richard Ochom, the mayor of Kumi Municipality asked UEDCL to extend power to other wards and cells of Kelim, Abata and Amejei among others. He also appealed UEDCL to establish an office in Kumi considering its beautiful infrastructures like road connectivity.
Meanwhile, the leaders appealed for power extension to other areas and institutions including: Aakum, Tisai, Kololo, Agurut, Aburibur and Ngero, highlighting that its government policy to have power be connected to rural communities.
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company (UEDCL) has made significant strides in upgrading the country’s power grid.
