By Alex Don

Kyegegwa, Uganda – On Friday 9th May 2025 Kyegegwa Rural Electricity Cooperative Society (KRECS) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) since transitioning under the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL). The event, hailed as a milestone, signaled a rebirth for the cooperative now operating under new dynamics but with an enduring commitment to rural electrification and innovation.

Speaking as Guest of Honour, Engineer Henry Ssemakadde—who represented Engineer Brian Isabirya, the Commissioner for Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy—commended KRECS for its resilience during the concession expiry period.

Despite the challenges following the concession agreement’s expiry, KRECS remained active in the electricity sector, specifically in mini-grid implementation. We supported them because it’s not only a way to serve the nation, but also a channel for sustainable business, said Eng. Ssemakadde.

Ssekalega Stephen, the Chairperson of the KRECS Board, emphasized that the AGM aimed to present the vision of a “new KRECS” to its members and stakeholders.

We were pushed backward when government halted our role in grid distribution, but we didn’t give up, Ssekalega said. We’ve continued serving over 200 clients in Katiirwe through an off-grid system, and we’re proud to maintain that mini-grid. We’ve also launched the KRECS Power Centre to provide affordable electronic products.

With strong backing from the Ministry of Energy, KRECS now plans to expand into neighboring areas like Kyenjojo, Hakooma, and Nyamichu with additional mini-grid projects.

Musa Swaibu Rutangi, the Vision Bearer of KRECS, expressed gratitude for the ministry’s support, particularly the solar plant in Katiirwe, which now supplies power to 200 homes.

We thank government for the solar plant. It’s not just powering homes—it’s generating income for KRECS, he stated. Though we are demanding 1 billion shillings, but the government has so far approved only 400 millions. With more solar projects promised, we can serve even more communities.

KRECS has also made significant strides in asset development, securing a modern office building, three land titles, a wheel loader vehicle, and its Power Centre. In addition, the cooperative has partnered with HOFOKAM to provide loan access to members, and with a Chinese company for supply of solar and electric goods.

Baker Wadama, a representative from ALLTOP Engineering Uganda—a subsidiary of a leading Chinese manufacturing firm—addressed an eager audience with a powerful message of progress and reliability.

According to our Memorandum of Understanding with KRECS, we are committed to providing high-quality products and services to Western Uganda, Mr. Wadama said. We’re not just bringing products—we’re bringing long-term solutions.

The partnership kicks off with the provision of essential energy products including street lights, floodlights, and high-capacity batteries. But that’s just the beginning.

Eventually, we will move into full-scale construction and expansion on ongoing infrastructure projects, he added.

ALLTOP prides itself on durability and quality. Our batteries come with longer warranties than our competitors, Wadama assured. They’re bigger, more reliable, and constantly monitored to ensure performance.

The goal is simple but ambitious: to ensure every home reached through the KRECS partnership receives technology that lasts. Every product we install should serve a household for 10 to 15 years, he emphasized.

This initiative signals a new chapter for rural electrification and infrastructure development in Western Uganda—grounded in innovation, trust, and longevity.

Charles Matovu Carols, the current Business Advisor to the KRECS Board and former General Manager for 10 years, praised members for their patience through the transition.

From the member side, Omuhereza Kobwemi Businge, also known by his business name “Kamu Kamu”, passionately called for transparency and diligence as KRECS borrows an additional 100 million shillings.

Government has renewed our off-grid license for another 10 years. With 35% access through off-grid solutions, the opportunity for impact is massive. We’re ready to expand to places like Kanyegaramire and Kyamugaara in Kyenjojo District, said Matovu.

However, Matovu urged government to clear the funds owed to KRECS to enable full execution of their work plan.

Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the old KRECS. We now have a new beginning. Let’s build a legacy that our grandchildren will be proud of, he said.

The AGM concluded with renewed optimism, strategic planning, and a shared commitment to powering more Ugandan communities.

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