KAMPALA, Uganda — Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa reassured the nation Wednesday that the Ministry of Finance has secured the $50 million needed for Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited operations.

The funds are expected to be available by the end of next week, ensuring the company is fully prepared to take over from Umeme on April 1, 2025, Nankabirwa said.

Her remarks follow concerns raised by Ziria Tibalwa, CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, who questioned the government’s readiness to assume control from Umeme. Tibalwa cited delays in securing the necessary funding.

I want to reassure the Nation that the Ministry of Finance has already secured the US$50Million required for UEDCL operations. These funds will be available by the end of next week, ensuring UEDCL functions and operations are fully ready to take over from Umeme on April 1st 2025. https://t.co/fayH2zOrXz

— Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu (@NankabirwaRS) March 18, 2025

Tibalwa expressed her doubts while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on National Economy, which is reviewing a $190 million loan from Stanbic Bank Uganda for the buyout of Umeme Limited.

The current power blackouts in Uganda have been attributed to the Umeme concession agreement, which bars government intervention until the concession expires naturally.

The takeover is set to occur on April 1, 2025, following the expiration of Umeme’s 20-year concession.