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Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has solidified its position as the nation’s primary power distributor following the conclusion of Umeme's 20-year concession. In a strategic move ensuring operational continuity, UEDCL has integrated over 90% of former Umeme employees into its workforce.
Paul Mwesigwa, UEDCL Managing Director, emphasized the critical nature of this transition during a Wednesday announcement: "Building from scratch wasn't an option. By retaining engineers, technicians, and customer service teams, we preserved vital operational expertise essential for uninterrupted service." This retention strategy avoids knowledge gaps as Uganda pursues aggressive electrification targets.
"The grid operates 24/7. We required personnel ready for immediate action – individuals already familiar with the system," Mwesigwa stated, highlighting the rationale behind the mass absorption.
Despite prioritizing experienced staff, UEDCL is simultaneously pursuing innovation through targeted external recruitment. The company aims to fill the remaining 4% of its staffing requirements with professionals from diverse fields beyond conventional energy backgrounds.
"We're creating opportunities for fresh perspectives – innovators and thinkers outside traditional energy circles," Mwesigwa revealed, signaling a shift toward modernization.
To unify legacy and new personnel, UEDCL launched a comprehensive retraining initiative at its Njeru Technical Training Centre. Jonan Kiiza, Head of Corporate and Stakeholder Affairs, described this as a foundational realignment: "Every team member, regardless of origin, is learning the UEDCL methodology. This transcends staffing – it's a complete cultural transformation."
This workforce integration supports UEDCL's ambitious $74 million capital investment program. Key objectives include deploying 225,000 new electricity connections by year-end, alongside extensive grid rehabilitation, customer service enhancements, and digital transformation projects.
"We inherited an existing framework," Mwesigwa acknowledged, "but our mandate is radical improvement, not mere maintenance."
As Uganda navigates its post-Umeme energy landscape, UEDCL's dual approach – conserving critical institutional knowledge while injecting external innovation – positions the utility to redefine national power distribution standards and accelerate electrification progress across the country.
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