This has prompted the UDCL technical  team, to switch off the substations especially at the pick hours in the evening the accommodate the existing pressure
The Ministry of Works and Energy has attributed existing incidents of load shedding to power substations being overloaded. Load shedding, which began with continuous power shortages in previous months, has affected many businesses in various urban centers since the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) took over from UMEME as the power distributor.
On March 31st, UEDCL took over power distribution from UMEME after UMEME's 20-year contract had elapsed. The transaction agreement involved the government paying UMEME $118 million as a buyout. The same process also included incorporating 94% of former UMEME employees into UEDCL. However, load shedding still remains a significant challenge in maintaining a constant power supply.
Speaking at a media briefing when UEDCL was marking 100 days since the takeover, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, stated that the existing substations cannot manage the current power consumption. This has prompted the UEDCL technical team to switch off substations, especially during peak hours in the evening, to accommodate the existing pressure. She also cited areas that have been grossly affected by the shedding, including Mukono, after the shutdown at Namugongo, the main station, and Mutundwe.
However, UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa says they have been able to rehabilitate many substations in a phased manner in the areas of Kakiri, Mbarara, Nansana, and Matugga, among others. Mwesigwa adds that UEDCL has been able to increase power supply from April to May by 2% to 8%.
The 100 days have seen the government gaining confidence in UEDCL, guaranteeing it a loan of $50 million to enable it to install 116 transformers, thereby increasing transmission since March. The ministry also boasts of having injected over 250 billion shillings, which has reduced power tariffs by 14 percent.
