The company’s net profit more than tripled to Shs139bn in 2021 Kampala, Uganda | ISAAC KHISA | Uganda’s electricity distribution firm, Umeme, has seen 2021 net profit more than triple to Shs139bn owed to increase in customer base and electricity sales. This is the similar profit earned in 2019 during the pre-COVID period.
Umeme recorded a 9% growth in customer base to 1.6million, leading to a double-digit growth in electricity sales from 3,201 to GWh to 3,507 GWh.
“The growth in 2021 was driven by increased industrial demand at 11.5% from new and existing customers, 9% from medium and commercial customers, and 6.5 % from domestic customers,” the firm said in a statement.
“There was increased consumption of power by existing and new customers during the year due to improved distribution system stability because of continued capital investments and improved economic environment following the lifting of (COVID-19) restrictions.”
Last year, Umeme invested Shs122.5billion (US$34.1million) in the electricity distribution network which included among others; Nakasamba power station in Entebbe, conversion of 28,000 post-paid customers to the Yaka prepaid system, line refurbishments in Fort Portal and Kisubi in Kampala South, and reconfiguring and supply stabilisation in Nalya, Najjera, Buwate, Namugongo and the Ntinda belt.
The company’s energy losses for the year stagnated at mid-year levels of 18.0% compared to 17.5% in 2020 and 16.4% in 2019, the last full year before the impact and effects of Covid-19 pandemic.
Umeme’s revenue increased by 13.5% to Shs1, 885 billion compared to Shs 1,661 billion in 2020, driven by increased electricity sales and revenues from provision of electricity distribution construction services.
The gross profit increased from Shs 478.9 billion to Shs 642billion during the same period under review on account of improved operational efficiencies and underlying distribution margins.
Operating costs increased by 6.3% to Shs 239.8billion citing global conditions that resulted in inflationary pressures on key inputs, increased business operations in service delivery and network repair and maintenance costs.
Finance costs reduced by 20.3% primarily due to the reduction in interest rates and continued repayment of its term loan facilities. Umeme’s outstanding interest-bearing debt reduced from Shs 517billion in 2020 to Shs 336 billion following debt repayments of Shs 170billion during the year.
Executives have proposed a dividend payout of Shs 54.1 per share compared to Shs 12.2 per share paid last year subject to deduction of withholding tax. Meanwhile, the company’s share price has remained low at an average of 188 per share […]
