In the lively workshop of Bernard Obbo in Bugembe, Jinja, the steady buzz of electric tools signals a new chapter for thousands across Uganda. Bernard is one of many benefiting from the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), a major government initiative supported by the World Bank. With a massive investment of $638 million (Shs 2.2 trillion), the program aims to deliver affordable and dependable electricity to more than one million new connections, impacting over five million Ugandans.
Introduced this year, the EASP is reshaping communities by extending power to remote and underserved areas. Already, more than 100,000 homes, schools, shops, and public facilities have been linked to the national grid, unlocking opportunities for economic growth, improved education, and healthier living throughout the country.
The connection process is simple and accessible. Residents who live within 90 meters of a low-voltage pole qualify for a free connection as long as their premises are wired by a certified technician. Once an online application is submitted with the required documents—including a digital wiring certificate and a small inspection fee—the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) finalizes the installation and brings electricity directly to the applicant’s home or business.
For many, reliable power has been life-changing. Florence Namaganda from Kisangani Village in Masajja Division remembers relying on illegally tapped electricity that cost her family Shs 25,000 every month and barely powered basic appliances. After being officially connected to the grid in July 2025, her household now pays only Shs 10,000 for stable electricity, allowing her children to study comfortably at night without fear of sudden outages.
Shopkeeper Ivan Turyahabwa from Gangu C Village in Wakiso District also experienced a dramatic shift. Previously sharing a meter with tenants led to chaotic bills and constant disputes. After receiving his individual connection in August 2025, his monthly expenses dropped significantly, giving him more control over his usage and finances.
Businesses are flourishing as well. In Makandwa Village, barber Alex Tukamuhebwa struggled for years with unreliable solar power that limited him to a handful of customers. With dependable electricity now at his shop, he serves clients late into the night, doubling his daily income from Shs 20,000 to Shs 40,000. Access to electric razors, water boilers, and other tools has transformed his business and expanded the services he can offer.
Entire regions are feeling the impact. In Mpigi District, more than 1,200 new connections have energized communities that once spent years in darkness. The arrival of electricity has boosted local businesses, strengthened security, and given families and entrepreneurs fresh hope. From poultry farmers to small retailers, many are now able to operate more efficiently and profitably than ever before.
The EASP’s influence reaches deep into rural areas as well. In Lwanyonyi Village, Mukono District, Mary Nabulya has greatly reduced her household expenses. Charging phones—which once cost her family Shs 1,000 daily—now happens at home, and energy-efficient appliances have cut her reliance on charcoal. These savings have made everyday life both easier and more affordable.
As officials like Eng. Irene Batebe and Eng. Abdon Atwiine emphasize, the project is fueling more than just homes—it is sparking progress, expanding opportunities, and enhancing safety across the country. With every new power connection, Uganda moves another step toward a brighter, more inclusive, and more prosperous future.
