Large swathes of Uganda are experiencing scheduled electricity outages this month as the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) rolls out an extensive program of grid maintenance and system upgrades.
The planned shutdowns, which span from May 2 to May 30, are part of UEDCL’s national initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure, improve safety, and ensure a more reliable and efficient power supply across the country.
Thousands of customers across districts such as Kampala, Masindi, Lira, Kitgum, Mbarara, Jinja, Kasese, and beyond are being affected as technicians work to replace rotten poles, clear vegetation, install new protection devices, and service transformers.
“Although we understand the inconvenience this may cause, these improvements are critical for ensuring a safer and more stable electricity supply,” UEDCL stated in a customer advisory issued this month.
The outages, mostly occurring during daytime hours, are targeting key substations and feeders, including those serving major towns, industrial zones, trading centers, and rural communities. Notably affected areas include:
- Greater Kampala: Kawempe, Nansana, Bweyogerere, Nsangi, Kyengera, Mutundwe, Luzira, Namugongo, and Kitante.
- Western Uganda: Mbarara, Ishaka, Kabale, Kasese, Kazo, Ibanda, and Bushenyi.
- Northern Uganda: Kitgum, Lira, Apac, Kole, and parts of Karamoja.
- Eastern Uganda: Mbale, Jinja, Kamuli, Kaliro, and Tororo.
- Central Uganda: Mubende, Masaka, Rakai, Mpigi, and Hoima.
Critical installations such as water pumping stations, hospitals, and schools in these regions may experience temporary blackouts unless alternative backup systems are in place.
According to UEDCL’s maintenance schedule, the works involve the replacement of hazardous infrastructure, like severely damaged poles and faulty switchgear, as well as line diversions and the installation of new protective devices such as drop-out fuses and autoreclosers.
In industrial zones such as Jinja, Namanve, and Kapeeka, works are particularly focused on switchgear maintenance, busbar repairs, and load management adjustments—vital for sustaining growing energy demands.
While certain works will not affect customers directly due to strategic load shifting or being on the UETCL side of the grid, others necessitate full shutdowns.
UEDCL has advised customers to monitor its official channels for localized outage alerts and restoration updates.
Residents and businesses have been urged to plan accordingly, especially those dependent on electricity for health services, manufacturing, or cold-chain storage.
Check out the full shutdown schedule
