They Must Explain! Gen Muhoozi Could Reportedly Move To Arrest UEDCL Officials as Power Blackouts Raise Security Concerns In The Whole Country

Reports circulating suggest that Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba could move against senior officials of the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) amid growing concerns over widespread power blackouts and alleged corruption in the electricity sector. The claims have raised questions about accountability within the country's electricity distribution system, although no independently verified confirmation of planned arrests has been provided.

According to the reports, Muhoozi is reportedly unhappy with the way some officials at UEDCL operate, with allegations that corruption and poor management could be affecting the country's electricity supply. The reports further claim that concerns have been raised about whether persistent power interruptions could pose a wider threat to national security and economic stability.

The allegations have emerged at a time when businesses, households and industrial operators depend on reliable electricity to sustain their activities. Repeated blackouts can disrupt production, damage business operations and increase operating costs, particularly for companies that rely on generators to maintain services during power interruptions.

The reports also raise allegations that individuals described as government-connected mafias could be involved in the recurring electricity disruptions. However, no publicly verified evidence has been presented to establish that the blackouts are deliberate or that government officials are coordinating them. Such claims would require thorough investigation before responsibility could be assigned.

Meanwhile, Parliament has intensified scrutiny of the government's acquisition of Umeme Limited's electricity distribution operations after the company's 20-year concession ended in March 2025. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to explain discrepancies surrounding the financing of the government buyout and the payment for Umeme's unrecovered investments.

During the committee proceedings, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Eng. Irene Bateebe reportedly explained the sequence of events leading to the end of Umeme's concession and the subsequent transfer of electricity distribution responsibilities to UEDCL. The transaction has attracted parliamentary attention because of its financial implications and the need for transparency in the management of public resources.

The parliamentary scrutiny has added to calls for greater accountability in the electricity sector, particularly regarding public spending, infrastructure management and the quality of services delivered to consumers. Any confirmed evidence of corruption or deliberate interference with electricity supply could warrant investigation by the relevant authorities and appropriate action under the law.

For now, claims that Gen Muhoozi is preparing to arrest senior UEDCL or former Umeme officials remain unverified. The key questions concern the causes of the blackouts, the management of electricity distribution and the financial arrangements surrounding the Umeme transition. Official statements from the relevant authorities would be needed to establish whether any arrests or security investigations are actually planned.