Uedcl secures funds to deal with power blackouts across the country -

Uganda Land Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 238 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, mandated to hold and manage all government land within and outside the country. The Commission is also responsible for administering the Land Fund in accordance with Article 42 of the Land Act, although the fund has not yet been fully operationalised.

Against this background, the Commission yesterday addressed journalists at the Uganda Media Centre during the launch of a Land Inventory System. The engagement was led by the Commission Chairperson, Tom Kasenge, who said the initiative is aimed at sensitising all occupants on government land to pay ground rent, while those occupying such land illegally are expected to regularise their stay or vacate.

The Secretary of the Commission, Andrew Nyumba, said the goal is to establish a complete and accurate record of all occupants on government land across the country. He noted that the Commission also handles historical land injustices, particularly the compensation of absentee landlords created during the colonial period. Nyumba explained that the exercise will be comprehensive and nationwide, starting with a pilot phase in 16 major cities and municipalities including Jinja, Mbale, Gulu, Lira, Arua, Fort Portal and Kabale, among others.

Kasenge added that the Commission plans to send reminders to all leaseholders on government land regarding ground rent payments and lease expiry dates. He said this will help the Uganda Land Commission to increase revenue collection. He also pointed out that some freehold title holders do not pay any form of land-related taxes, urging compliance so that government can improve service delivery to citizens.

Meanwhile, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has signed a five-year loan agreement with Absa Bank Uganda worth 50 million US dollars, approximately 190 billion shillings.

The agreement was signed during a press conference held at UEDCL headquarters in Nakasero, Kampala. The Chairperson of the UEDCL Board, Lydia Ochieng Obbo, who signed on behalf of the company, said the funding will significantly enhance Uganda’s electricity distribution network. She described the deal as timely, noting that the network has been in dire need of financing. Obbo added that the agreement demonstrates confidence in UEDCL and government institutions, and sets a precedent for government agencies to borrow directly from the private sector.

Absa Bank Uganda Managing Director, David Wandera, said that as a pan-African bank with strong experience in infrastructure and energy financing, Absa is committed to mobilising long-term capital that supports Africa’s development ambitions.

The funds will be used to construct new electricity substations to improve reliability, upgrade and reinforce the distribution network, roll out smart grid initiatives, reduce technical losses, unlock suppressed demand by the end of 2026, and support the integration of renewable energy, among other interventions.