UEDCL Announces Planned Power Shutdown in Kampala and Other Regions for Critical Maintenance

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has scheduled a planned power shutdown affecting several areas, including parts of Kampala, Wakiso, Kayunga, and Mbarara, starting Saturday, October 18, 2025. The outage, intended to facilitate essential system upgrades and routine maintenance, will take place from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

According to an official notice dated October 17, 2025, the shutdown will specifically allow UEDCL’s technical team to conduct critical maintenance works at the Kampala North Substation. The company has advised affected customers to switch off electrical appliances until power is safely restored.

Affected Areas in Kampala

Numerous neighborhoods and key locations will experience the power interruption, including:

· Nakulabye, Makerere, Sir Apollo Kaggwa Road, Kasubi, Kawaala
· Mutesa I Road, Mengo SSS, Bukesa, Kavule, Sentema Road, Bulange Road
· Kalerwe, Bubajwe, Bwaise, Kazo, Nabweru, Kawempe
· Mulago, Katanga, Wandegeya, Lumumba Avenue
· Nakasero Road, Buganda Road, Akii Bua Road, parts of Kira Road
· Uganda Museum, Kitante, Fairway Hotel, Kafu Road, MacKinnon Road
· Muwafu Road, Sheraton Hotel, Imperial Royale Hotel, parts of Kintu Road
· Hilton Hotel, All Saints Cathedral Nakasero, Kamwokya
· Old Kira Road, Kanjokya Street, Mawanda Road, Kisementi, Bukoto
· Kololo Hospital, Gayaza Road, Kitara, TASO Road
· Mpererwe, Katalemwa, Kanyanya, Kyebando, Bahai Temple
· Mambule, Kimbeija, Kisalosalo, Ttula, and Buwambo

Background and Public Response

This maintenance initiative follows UEDCL’s takeover of distribution responsibilities from Umeme in July 2025. Officials have indicated that resolving persistent power issues may require up to two years, with planned investments in new transformers and substation improvements.

However, the announcement has been met with public frustration, particularly on social media platform X, where users voiced concerns over the disruption’s impact on businesses, households, and leisure activities such as watching the English Premier League.

UEDCL’s Acting Head of Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs, Stephen Ilungole, signed the notice, expressing regret for any inconvenience caused and reaffirming the company’s commitment to enhancing service reliability.