The Government has initiated a major leadership shake-up at the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, relieving the Board Chairperson of her duties and sending the Managing Director on forced leave as part of a comprehensive review into the company’s governance and management.

A year after taking over electricity distribution from Umeme, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has moved to restructure leadership at UEDCL in a decisive effort to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery in Uganda’s power sector.

In a statement issued on May 2nd, 2026, and signed by the Minister for Energy, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, government confirmed that Board Chairperson Lydia Ochieng-Obbo had been relieved of her duties, while Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa was placed on forced leave to pave way for a comprehensive review of the company’s governance and operational systems.

Officials say the move is intended to assess institutional performance and address gaps in management following UEDCL’s takeover of national electricity distribution.

To ensure continuity of operations, shareholders have appointed Stella–Marie Biwaga Cingtho as Interim Board Chairperson.

The Board has, in turn, appointed Joselynn Rwakakooko as Acting Managing Director to oversee the company during the transition period.

These interim arrangements will remain in place until substantive appointments are made.

The Ministry emphasised that the changes are part of routine governance and oversight procedures aimed at strengthening institutional performance, enhancing accountability, and improving service delivery across the energy sector.

The public and stakeholders have been assured that electricity supply and distribution services will continue uninterrupted during this transition.

The newly appointed Interim Chairperson, Stella–Marie Biwaga Cingtho, is a seasoned legal professional with over 16 years of experience in governance, oil and gas, and natural resource management.

She currently serves on several boards, including the Uganda National Oil Company Limited and the National Pipeline Company, bringing extensive expertise in policy, advocacy, and institutional leadership.

Meanwhile, Acting Managing Director Joselynn Rwakakooko brings over 20 years of experience in electricity distribution and utility management, having previously served as UEDCL’s Chief Commercial Officer.

She is credited with driving operational efficiency and institutional transformation within the company, positioning her to steer UEDCL through this critical transition.

As the government undertakes this review, officials say the focus remains on building a more efficient, transparent, and resilient electricity distribution system capable of meeting Uganda’s growing energy demands.