For the past 20 years, Umeme has been the face of Uganda’s electricity distribution—the company behind your prepaid tokens, the customer service calls when the power goes out, and the name on your utility bills. But as of April 1, 2025, that’s all changing.
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), a state-owned entity, is officially taking over. This isn’t just a simple rebrand—it’s a $234 million transition that could reshape how Ugandans experience electricity.
Will this mean fewer blackouts? Lower bills? Better service? Or will it be business as usual, just with a different name on the receipts?
Let’s break it all down.
Why Is This Happening? Umeme’s 20-Year Concession Ends
Back in 2005, Uganda’s government signed a 20-year concession agreement with Umeme, a private company, to manage electricity distribution. The idea was to bring in private-sector efficiency to improve the struggling power sector.
Now, that deal has expired (as of February 28, 2025), and the government has decided not to renew it. Instead, they’re bringing distribution back under UEDCL, a public utility.
The $234 Million Handover
There’s just one catch—Umeme doesn’t leave empty-handed.
As part of the original contract, the government must pay a “Buy Out Amount” to take back full control. Umeme has estimated this at $234 million, and the Auditor General is currently verifying the figure.
- If paid by March 31, 2025? Smooth transition to UEDCL.
- If delayed? The government could face penalty interest (and Ugandans might see delays in the handover).
What Changes for You? (And What Doesn’t)
1. Your Prepaid Units Are Safe
One of the biggest concerns is: Will my unused electricity tokens disappear?
The good news: No. Both Umeme and UEDCL have confirmed that any prepaid units you’ve bought before April 1 will still work.
2. Same Vendors, Different Owner
You’ll still buy power the same way—through MTN, Airtel, banks, and other agents. The only difference? Instead of seeing “Umeme” on your receipt, it’ll say “UEDCL.”
3. Will Bills Go Up or Down?
This is the million-dollar question (or rather, the $234 million one).
- UEDCL says they’ll focus on efficiency and reducing losses, which could mean lower costs in the long run.
- Critics worry that without private-sector competition, prices might creep up over time.
For now, no immediate price changes have been announced—but it’s something to watch.
4. Will Service Improve?
Umeme had its share of complaints—blackouts, slow repairs, frustrating customer service.
UEDCL’s big promise? More reliable power and faster response times. But since this is Uganda’s first major return to full public power distribution in decades, only time will tell if they deliver.
Scam Alert: Beware of Fake Meter Inspectors
Whenever there’s a big transition, scammers see an opportunity. UEDCL has already warned about:
- People posing as officials claiming your meter will “stop working” after April 1.
- Fraudsters demanding fees to “recalibrate” or replace meters.
What to do?
✔ Only trust official UEDCL communications (website, verified social media).
✔ Report suspicious activity to the nearest police station or UEDCL office.
What’s Next for Umeme?
Umeme isn’t vanishing overnight. They still have to:
- Wrap up financial audits for the $234 million handover.
- Hold their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 22, where shareholders will discuss the transition.
After that? They’ll exit Uganda’s electricity scene—unless they bid for future contracts.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Uganda’s Energy Future
This isn’t just about swapping one power distributor for another. It’s a test case for Uganda’s energy policy.
- If UEDCL succeeds, it could prove that public utilities can run efficiently.
- If struggles emerge, pressure may grow to bring back private operators.
There’s also a political angle. Some see this as a move toward “energy sovereignty”—others worry about less competition leading to stagnation.
Final Thoughts: What Should You Do?
- Don’t panic-buy electricity—your old tokens will still work.
- Ignore meter removal scams—UEDCL isn’t mass-replacing meters.
- Monitor announcements—follow UEDCL for updates on service changes.
This transition could be the start of a better power system—or just a reshuffling of the same old problems. Either way, April 1, 2025, marks a new chapter for Uganda’s electricity.
Got questions? Contact UEDCL or Umeme via their toll-free lines or social media.
Read Umeme’s full notice and UEDCL’s official updates below