The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has scored a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s power distribution network after successfully upgrading the Kampala South Substation from 20 megawatts to 34 megawatts, a move set to significantly improve electricity reliability in Kampala and surrounding areas Commissioned on December 29, 2025, the upgrade forms part of UEDCL’s wider system optimisation and grid enhancement plan aimed at meeting growing electricity demand and eliminating persistent outages.At the heart of the project is the installation and commissioning of a new 10/14MVA, 33/11kV transformer, which eases pressure on the previously overstretched infrastructure that had been operating beyond its designed capacityBefore the upgrade, the substation was grappling with a peak demand of 20.45 megawatts against an initial transformer capacity of 15/20 megawatts. This strain meant that all six major feeders—Salama, Najjanankumbi, Kigo, Makindye, Kisuubi and Kabowa—were dependent on a closed bus coupler, increasing the risk of outages. With the new transformer in place, those risks have been decisively addressed, bringing relief to over 650 commercial consumers and about 108,000 domestic customers served by the substation.UEDCL Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa hailed the upgrade as a game-changer for power reliability along Entebbe Road and its environs. He noted that the new setup introduces transformer redundancy, ensuring continuity of supply even during maintenance or unexpected failures. According to Mwesigwa, load distribution has already improved, with the Salama and Najjanankumbi feeders now running on the newly installed transformer, enhancing operational flexibility and eliminating the risk of substation overload.The Kampala South upgrade is part of a broader wave of infrastructure improvements under UEDCL’s new mandate. In just eight months, the company has upgraded several substations across the country, including Kakiri, Kabale, Masaka, Kumi and Mubende, effectively doubling capacity in some locations and reinforcing supply stability nationwide.Looking ahead, UEDCL has also secured land within Kampala to construct two additional substations, alongside another planned facility in Magigye along Zirobwe Road. Plans are also underway to upgrade key feeders around the city, including Mutundwe–Mityana, Mutundwe–Nakawuka, Budo, and the Waligo–Namugongo interconnection. Once completed, these projects are expected to guarantee steady power supply for Kampala by 2026.Beyond infrastructure, UEDCL has been praised for engaging consumers through initiatives such as the “Weterezeeee” campaign, which has seen over 32,461 Ugandans normalize their electricity connections and qualify for free connections under the government program. The company has also called on the public to remain vigilant against vandalism, which has affected grid reliability through more than 330 reported incidents since April 2025.With these investments and reforms, UEDCL continues to cement its role as a dependable steward of Uganda’s electricity distribution, powering economic growth and improving the quality of life for millions of UgandansThe post UEDCL Boosts Power Reliability with Major Kampala South Substation Upgrade appeared first on The Insider.