The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited – UEDCL has released the approved retail electricity tariffs for the first quarter of 2026 (January-March), as sanctioned by the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
These rates apply to all consumer categories, including domestic, commercial, industrial, and public amenities, and are designed to balance affordability with the operational needs of the power sector.
The rates remain unchanged from the previous quarter, providing continuity for households, businesses, and industries amid efforts to keep power affordable.
Key highlights include a lifeline rate of USh 250 per kWh for the first 15 units (for low-consumption domestic users), and time-of-use pricing for commercial and industrial categories to promote off-peak usage.
Main Tariff Rates (USh/kWh)
- Domestic (Code 10.1): Lifeline (first 15 kWh): 250; 16-80 kWh: 756.2; 81-150 kWh: 412; Above 150 kWh: 756.2
- Commercial (Code 10.2): Peak: 650.8; Shoulder: 546.4; Off-Peak: 414; Average: 546.4
- Medium Manufacturing (Code 20.1): Average: 355.1
- Large Manufacturing (Code 30.1): Average: 300.4 (Block 1); 282.9 (Declining Block)
- Extra Large Manufacturing (Code 40.1): Average: 203.6
A new category for extra-large service consumers (Code 40.2) has been introduced, with an average rate of 219.3 USh/kWh.
These tariffs apply to postpaid bills from January and prepaid (Light) purchases onward. Fixed charges, connection fees, and theft penalties remain unchanged.
The Q1 2026 schedule mirrors October-December 2025 rates exactly, offering stability.
However, tariffs have declined significantly over 2025: the weighted average end-user rate fell from about UGX 460/kWh in Q1 2025 to UGX 396/kWh by year-end, driven by lower system costs, favourable exchange rates, and added hydropower capacity from Karuma.
Earlier reductions included a 5.2% cut in Q1 2025 and further drops mid-year, supporting manufacturing growth and household affordability.
