Nabbanja also suggested that instead of showing workers the exit, the minister should begin by helping them acquire required logistics for putting right what UMEME left in a mess.
Masaka Catholics on Edge as Priest’s ‘Abduction’ Sparks Fear, Suspicion
In what some sections of Ugandans view as a struggle between two authoritative gurus tussling, with one apparently bent on doing what she deems to be the possible opinion of the appointing authority on one hand, and the other dutifully executing a technical obligation on the other hand, the rift between Prime Minister and the energy minister is escalating to levels that were not earlier anticipated.
In her letter dated 9th December 2025, Minister Ruth Nankabirwa confirmed that she directed UEDCL board to investigate certain high caliber staff of UEDCL, make a subsequent report of findings and attach a plan of streamlining shortcomings identified by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
The minister stated that UEDCL was assigned the duty of doing away with incessant power outages and to intensify clarity in operational methods for power distribution to all Ugandans which duties, in her opinion, have not been fulfilled.
She noted that unfortunately, this has not been fulfilled as people continue to make outcries over power charges, prolonged outages, delayed connection of new applicants, irregularities in procurement of usables, improper ways of handling staff which has resulted in distorted service delivery.
Nankabirwa’s directive did not go down well with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who, in response, directed stay of execution of the former’s directive, which came together with a suggestion that an alternative private company be introduced to replace UEDCL.
The premier’s counteraction was based on the premise that besides the fact that UMEME which was discontinued was also a private company, introduction of an alternative service provider company must first be debated by cabinet and get guidance from the President.
Nabbanja also suggested that instead of showing workers the exit, the minister should begin by helping them acquire required logistics for putting right what UMEME left in a mess.
She further argued that the country learnt a bitter lesson from UMEME during the period they oversaw power distribution, which ended in denying it a contract renewal.
Nankabirwa who maintains her earlier stand, said she is waiting for the report as directed, and that the next course of action will be based on findings in the report.
She added that ERA has made a report covering the eight months UEDCL has been in control and established that there are many irregularities calling for immediate address.
