Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has entered a new phase of leadership following a sweeping internal restructuring led by Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko.
Just days after her appointment, Eng. Rwakakooko moved quickly to reorganize the utility’s senior management, signaling an urgent effort to stabilize operations and restore confidence within one of Uganda’s most critical state institutions.
In an internal memo dated May 6, 2026, the Acting Managing Director announced several key appointments, most of them in acting capacities, in what appears to be a strategic attempt to strengthen technical operations, commercial efficiency, governance, and institutional coordination.
The new appointments include Sylver Hetegikimana as Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, Isaac Katewanga as Chief Commercial Officer, Samuel Omoding as Head of Human Resource and Administration, Stephen Ilungole as Acting Head of Corporate and Stakeholders Affairs, Nicholas Ahabwe as Head of Internal Audit, Richard Opiyo as Acting Head of Technology and Applications, Francis Ddamulira as Manager for Applications, and Christine Atuhaire as Manager of HR Business Partners.
The restructuring comes at a sensitive moment for the state utility.
Only days earlier, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development initiated a major governance shake-up at UEDCL. Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa removed Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo and directed the substantive Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa, to step aside as government launched a comprehensive operational review of the company.
The rapid leadership changes highlight the pressure facing UEDCL following its takeover of the national electricity distribution network after the expiry of Umeme’s 20-year concession in 2025.
Since assuming control of the grid, UEDCL has faced mounting public expectations over power reliability, customer service, infrastructure management, and operational efficiency.
Eng. Rwakakooko is widely viewed as a continuity candidate within the sector. Before her appointment as Acting Managing Director, she served as UEDCL’s Chief Commercial and Operations Officer and brings more than two decades of experience in Uganda’s electricity industry, including previous work with Umeme Limited.
Her swift appointments suggest an attempt to minimize operational disruption while positioning the utility for a more aggressive reform phase.
The changes also point toward a stronger focus on technology and systems modernization. The elevation of Richard Opiyo to lead Technology and Applications reflects growing pressure on UEDCL to strengthen digital billing systems, improve monitoring capabilities, and reduce operational inefficiencies across the grid.
At the center of the restructuring is the challenge of balancing technical reliability with financial sustainability.
UEDCL is estimated to require nearly $995 million over the next five years to modernize aging infrastructure, reduce distribution losses, and improve nationwide service delivery. Although the utility now serves more than 2.4 million customers, concerns remain over blackouts, maintenance gaps, and the long-term viability of state-led management.
In her communication to staff, Eng. Rwakakooko called for institutional unity and support for the newly appointed leadership team.
“I am confident in our collective ability to deliver a reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity supply that will shape our country’s social-economic transformation.”
The message reflects the broader expectations now placed on UEDCL.
Government, industrial consumers, lenders, and ordinary Ugandans are all watching closely to see whether the new leadership structure can deliver measurable improvements in the power sector.
For businesses, stable electricity remains directly linked to production costs, competitiveness, and investment confidence. For households, the expectation is simpler: fewer outages and more reliable service.
As Interim Board Chairperson Stella-Marie Biwaga Cingtho settles into office alongside the newly appointed executive team, the focus now shifts from restructuring to results.
The true test of this new-look UEDCL will not be the speed of appointments, but whether the changes can translate into a stronger grid, improved operational performance, and greater public trust in Uganda’s energy sector.