National

UEDCL Appoints Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director Replacing Paul Mwesigwa

Ssekanjako Deus
By Ssekanjako Deus


UEDCL Appoints Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director Replacing Paul Mwesigwa
UEDCL Appoints Eng. Joselynne Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director Replacing Paul Mwesigwa

Share


KAMPALA – The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has appointed Eng. Joselynne R. Rwakakooko as its Acting Managing Director, effective May 2, 2026. The appointment follows a government directive that saw her predecessor, Paul Mwesigwa, placed on forced leave.

 

The appointment was confirmed in a statement issued by the company’s Interim Board Chairperson, Stella Marie Biwaga Cingtho. The leadership change is part of a broader governmental review of the power distributor aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and service delivery .

 

Prior to her elevation, Eng. Rwakakooko served as the company’s Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, where she played a key role in the day-to-day technical and commercial management of the utility .

 

A Leader with Two Decades of Experience

Eng. Rwakakooko brings over 20 years of experience in electricity distribution, commercial operations, and large-scale utility management .

 

Having previously served within UEDCL’s senior management ranks, the Board credited her with a "proven track record of leading institutional transformation, improving operational performance, and delivering sustainable growth within complex and evolving power sector environments" .

 

Her appointment comes at a critical time for the Ugandan energy sector. UEDCL has been transitioning into a fully operational utility following the end of Umeme’s concession, taking on direct responsibility for managing distribution infrastructure across the country .

 

Governance Changes

The shake-up at the top of UEDCL was initiated by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa confirmed that the government had terminated the services of the Board Chairperson and sent Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa on forced leave to allow for a "comprehensive review of the company’s management and operations" .

 

Reports indicate the review is focused on operational performance, specifically citing concerns over rising energy losses. Sources suggest that electricity losses grew from approximately 15% to 19% during the previous administration's tenure, prompting the government's intervention .

 

Despite the leadership changes, the Ministry has assured the public and stakeholders that electricity supply and distribution services will continue uninterrupted. UEDCL maintains that it has "strong institutional systems and a capable workforce" to sustain stability during this transition .

 

The interim management arrangement, led by Eng. Rwakakooko, will remain in place until the positions are substantively filled .

If you have a story in your community or Opinion piece that you would like to share, send us an email via [email protected]

MOST POPULAR STORIES

© Copyright 2026, All Rights Reserved