About UETCL

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is a public limited company fully owned by the Government of the Republic of Uganda.

The company holds licences for:

• System Operation
• Operation of the High Voltage Transmission Grid
• Bulk Power Supply
• Import and Export of Power
• Public Infrastructure Provision, including ownership and operation of optical fibre infrastructure

UETCL Vision

“To be Eastern Africa’s Leading Electricity Transmission Company.”

UETCL Mission

“To Buy, Transmit and Sell Reliable and Quality Bulk Power for Sustainable Regional Development.”

UETCL invites applications from suitable and eligible candidates for the following position:

Job Title: Communication Engineer (Transmission & Access System)
Department: ICT
Reports to: Senior Communication Engineer

Job Purpose

The Communication Engineer will be responsible for planning, installation, integration and maintenance of access and transmission infrastructure, including Power Line Carrier Communications (PLCC), MPLS-TP, SDH, PDH, DWDM and OTN systems, to achieve 98% service availability.

The role will ensure that critical transport networks safely convey real-time SCADA grid data, tele-protection signals, LAN/WAN and tele-metering links in accordance with local and international standards, ICT policies and UETCL’s corporate strategic plans.

Key Result Areas

1. Maintenance and Management of Access & Transmission Systems

• Direct, coordinate and implement preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for access and transmission systems in line with manufacturers’ recommendations and maintenance policies.
• Identify and mobilise maintenance resources, carry out and supervise maintenance activities, and prepare detailed technical reports with actionable recommendations to address equipment degradation and network quality issues.
• Manage Power Line Carrier Communications (PLCC), MPLS-TP, SDH, PDH, DWDM and OTN networks, applying traffic engineering for MPLS-TP to maintain optimal bandwidth utilisation and system performance.
• Maintain and configure tele-protection interfaces to support critical power system protection schemes, including differential protection (IEEE C37.94) and distance protection (IEC 60255-121) over optical and multiplexed networks.
• Maintain and configure IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104 SCADA interfaces and communication links to support National Control Centre (NCC) operations.

2. Network and Cybersecurity Management for OT Infrastructure

• Design, configure and troubleshoot network security equipment, including Operational Technology (OT) firewalls, secure routers and access-control infrastructure across transmission nodes.
• Implement Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning for TCP/IP networks to prioritise latency-sensitive real-time grid automation data, tele-metering, tele-protection signals and SCADA traffic over general data.
• Implement and enforce strict security policies, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), IPsec VPN tunnels and data encryption, across network segments supporting IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-104, TCP/IP and MPLS-TP protocols.
• Execute routine security patching.

3. System Operations, User Support and Business Continuity

• Oversee daily network operations, monitor and analyse system performance, and provide proactive fault isolation and resolution to meet ICT Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory database of all access and transmission equipment, system configurations and backup statuses to ensure business continuity in accordance with ICT Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) plans.
• Maintain version control and update traffic routing, channel allocations and network topology documentation using AutoCAD.

4. Installation, Integration and System Tool Management

• Develop comprehensive installation guidelines for new access and transmission equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations and prudent international practices.
• Integrate new equipment and systems into the existing UETCL telecommunications network to support grid-related services.
• Test, commission and document all new system interfaces, configurations and physical links in accordance with international standards.
• Maintain, update and manage software tools, HMI applications and databases used for transmission system management, ensuring regular backups for disaster recovery.

5. Budgeting and Procurement

• Participate in the section’s annual budgeting processes, including activity planning, budget-line development and preparation of procurement plans.

Person Specifications, Experience and Competences

Academic Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering or Electronic Engineering from a recognised university.

Technical Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge and practical expertise in the following areas:

Utility and Tele-Protection Protocols

• Hands-on expertise in configuring tele-protection interfaces supporting differential protection (IEEE C37.94) and distance protection (IEC 60255-121).
• Experience with SCADA protocols, including IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104.

Advanced Optical and Transport Networks

• Strong proficiency in traffic engineering for MPLS-TP.
• Experience with Power Line Carrier Communications (PLCC), SDH, PDH, DWDM, OTN and Carrier Ethernet systems.

Network Engineering and Operations

• Proficiency in network operations, LAN/WAN design and TCP/IP network troubleshooting.
• Experience in QoS provisioning for latency-sensitive grid traffic.

Cybersecurity Practices

• Demonstrated experience in configuring OT firewalls, ACLs and IPsec VPNs.

Professional Certifications

Professional certifications in areas such as Power Line Carrier Communications, MPLS-TP, SDH, utility communications, network/information security or related fields will be an added advantage.

Examples include:

• CCNA
• Fortinet certifications
• Palo Alto certifications
• CompTIA Security+

Experience

Applicants should have:

• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in network design, installation, configuration and maintenance.
• At least one (1) year of experience managing carrier/transmission communication systems such as TDM, PDH, SDH, DWDM, MPLS-IP, MPLS-TP and OTN equipment in a utility, industrial or enterprise environment.
• Proven expertise in maintaining critical telecommunications and security infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and integrity.
• A valid National Driving Permit.
• The ability to remain resilient under pressure and work flexibly, including for long hours when required.

How to Apply

All qualified candidates should submit their applications together with copies of academic testimonials and a detailed CV indicating three referees and their full addresses through the application link:

Apply for the UETCL Communication Engineer position

Female candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 5:00 PM.

UETCL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Only electronically submitted applications will be accepted.

Terms of Employment and Remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a contract subject to the Ministry of Public Service Guidelines on the Rationalization Exercise of Government Institutions.