Utility service providers in Uganda supply essential services such as electricity, piped water and sewerage. They include national public corporations, regional electricity distributors and water authorities managing systems in smaller towns and rural growth centres.
The provider responsible for your property depends on its location and the network serving it. A company operating in a district may not supply every village, neighbourhood or building within that district.
This guide focuses on electricity, water and sanitation utilities. It includes 10 providers and regional authorities, with their main responsibilities and selected customer contacts.
Important update: Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited took over electricity distribution and supply from Umeme on 1 April 2025. Customers in the former Umeme service area should therefore direct current electricity-service enquiries to UEDCL.
Electricity Utility Service Providers in Uganda
1. Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited
Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, commonly known as UEDCL, is a government-owned electricity distribution company.
Following the end of Umeme’s concession, UEDCL assumed distribution and supply responsibilities across the former Umeme network. It also took over areas previously operated by some smaller distributors.
Customers should contact UEDCL about electricity supply, connection enquiries, metering, billing and faults within its service areas.
Main service: Electricity distribution and supply.
Head office: UEDCL Tower, Sixth Floor, Nakasero Road, Kampala.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 285285 / 0800 385385 / 0800 203088.
2. West Nile Rural Electrification Company Limited
West Nile Rural Electrification Company Limited, known as WENRECO, supplies electricity within its service area in West Nile.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority identifies WENRECO among Uganda’s major distribution utilities. Its service territory is connected to the national grid, so older descriptions presenting it solely as an isolated electricity system are outdated.
Residents and businesses should confirm the operator serving their particular location before applying for a connection or reporting a fault.
Main service: Electricity distribution and supply.
Service area: Designated parts of West Nile.
Customer enquiries: Contact the relevant WENRECO service office for connections, accounts and supply issues.
3. Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited
Kalangala Infrastructure Services Limited, or KIS, provides several infrastructure services on Bugala Island in Kalangala District.
Its utility activities include electricity distribution and water supply. The company also operates ferry services and undertakes road-maintenance activities as part of its wider infrastructure role.
KIS is therefore an important contact for households, tourism businesses and other organisations seeking utility services within its island service areas.
Main services:
- Electricity distribution and supply.
- Water supply.
- Ferry services.
- Road maintenance.
Service area: Bugala Island, Kalangala District.
Confirm electricity and water coverage separately, as the networks may serve different locations.
Water and Sanitation Utility Service Providers in Uganda
4. National Water and Sewerage Corporation
National Water and Sewerage Corporation, commonly called NWSC, provides piped water and sewerage services within its designated service areas.
Customers can approach NWSC for new water connections, account enquiries, meter issues, leaks and supply interruptions. Sewer connections are available where the relevant sewerage infrastructure exists.
A property receiving NWSC water should not automatically be assumed to have access to a public sewer.
Main services:
- Piped water supply.
- Water connections and customer accounts.
- Sewer connections and sewerage services where available.
- Fault reporting and service enquiries.
Head office: Plot 3, Nakasero, Kampala.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 200977 / 0800 300977.
Regional Umbrella Water and Sanitation Authorities
Uganda has six regional Umbrella Water and Sanitation Authorities. They manage piped water and sanitation systems in designated small towns and rural growth centres outside NWSC’s service areas.
The regional names below indicate their broad geographical responsibilities. Confirm which authority manages the particular scheme serving your property.
5. Central Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The Central Umbrella manages designated schemes in central Uganda, including areas within Wakiso, Mukono, Mpigi, Buikwe and Luweero.
Office: Wakiso.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 202210.
6. Eastern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The Eastern Umbrella serves designated schemes in eastern Uganda, including the Busoga, Teso, Elgon and Sebei subregions.
Office: Plot 44, Works Road, Mbale City.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 211305.
7. Northern Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The Northern Umbrella manages designated schemes across northern Uganda, including the Acholi, Lango and West Nile subregions.
Office: Plot 14/16, Maruzi Road, Lira City.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 200045.
8. South-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The South-Western Umbrella manages designated schemes in southwestern Uganda, including areas around Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri and Ntungamo.
Office: Kabale.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 202941.
9. Mid-Western Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The Mid-Western Umbrella manages designated schemes in midwestern Uganda, including areas around Kyenjojo, Hoima, Kagadi and Kabarole.
Office: Kyenjojo Town Council.
Toll-free telephone: 0800 256200.
10. Karamoja Umbrella of Water and Sanitation
The Karamoja Umbrella manages designated schemes in the Karamoja subregion.
Office: Moroto.
Telephone: 0200 907749.
How to Identify the Utility Provider Serving Your Property
Check an Existing Bill or Meter Account
A recent bill, payment receipt or connection document is a useful starting point. Check the provider’s name and your account or meter number.
For a rented property, ask the landlord whether the premises have a separate utility account or share a connection with other units.
Confirm Coverage Before Applying
Give the provider your district, town, village or neighbourhood and a clear landmark. Where possible, supply the property’s location coordinates.
Ask whether a nearby network can serve the premises or whether an extension is required. Being close to an electricity line or water pipe does not by itself confirm connection availability.
Ask the Local Water Office About Smaller Schemes
If NWSC does not serve the property, ask the district water office or relevant Umbrella Authority which operator manages the local piped-water scheme.
Some communities use arrangements outside the providers listed here, including local-government or community-managed systems.
What to Ask Before Requesting a Utility Connection
A connection enquiry should establish:
- Whether the provider serves the property.
- Which application documents are required.
- Whether a site inspection is necessary.
- The applicable connection charges.
- Whether network-extension work is needed.
- The expected installation timetable.
- How billing and payments will work.
For commercial premises, explain the intended activity and expected demand. A workshop, hotel or processing facility may require a different connection assessment from a household.
Utility Charges and Payment Arrangements
Electricity and water charges depend on the provider, customer category and applicable tariff. Connection costs may also vary with the work required to reach a property.
Ask for the current tariff and an itemised connection quotation. Check whether the quoted amount includes materials, installation, inspection and any network extension.
Use payment channels confirmed by the utility and keep receipts, account references and transaction records.
Reporting Utility Faults and Billing Problems
When reporting a problem, provide your account or meter number, location and a brief description of the issue. Request a reference number so you can follow up.
For billing disputes, keep copies of bills, payment confirmations and relevant meter readings. Begin with the provider’s customer-service team.
Electricity complaints that remain unresolved by the distributor can be escalated to the Electricity Regulatory Authority’s consumer-affairs service. Water customers should ask their provider about its formal complaint and escalation procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which company replaced Umeme in Uganda?
UEDCL took over electricity distribution and supply from Umeme on 1 April 2025. Customers in the former Umeme service area should contact UEDCL for current service enquiries.
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Does NWSC supply water everywhere in Uganda?
No. NWSC operates within designated service areas. Regional Umbrella Authorities and other local arrangements serve many smaller towns and rural communities.
Who supplies electricity in West Nile?
WENRECO is an electricity distributor serving designated parts of West Nile. Confirm the operator responsible for your specific property.
Which utility serves Bugala Island?
Kalangala Infrastructure Services provides electricity and water services within its designated service areas on Bugala Island.
Can I choose any electricity or water provider?
For a standard network connection, the available provider generally depends on the service area and infrastructure serving the property. Confirm this before submitting an application.
Are electricity regulators and transmission companies household suppliers?
Their roles differ. ERA regulates the electricity sector, while UETCL operates transmission infrastructure and performs bulk-system functions. Household connection and billing enquiries normally belong with the relevant distribution utility.
