Umeme announces interim dividend for shareholders

KAMPALA - Umeme shareholders are set to receive an interim dividend of sh222 per ordinary share for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, the company announced on Tuesday.

The payment will be made to shareholders registered by the close of business on July 14. Disbursements are expected on or before July 31.

At the Uganda Securities Exchange, Umeme shares remained unchanged at sh415 per share despite the dividend announcement. However, at the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Umeme share price spiked by 100% to Ksh24.70 (sh689) shortly after market opening on Tuesday.

By 11:30 East African Time, the share price had cooled to KSh16 (sh446). Kenyan media linked the rally to the “aggressive investor accumulation ahead of the July 14 record date and July 31 payout.”

The dividend announcement comes as the power distributor prepares for its court battle with government in London. The government opted not to renew Umeme’s 20-year concession.

In London, Umeme will be seeking over a $292m (about sh1 trillion) as a compensation claim for its investments in the distribution network.

Umeme says heading to London is aimed at protecting investor interests and upholding contractual agreements.