The Government through the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company has initiated a shs370billion project focused on enhancing the power infrastructure in Kampala, Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso.
During the groundbreaking ceremony held in Mpigi, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Karamagi explained that the initiative is crucial for meeting the increasing electricity demand in the Kampala metropolitan region.
He noted that a significant portion of the nation’s 2000 megawatts of generated power is primarily utilized by these districts, which have been facing frequent power outages.
The mega project is projected to be completed by 2026, ensuring that the aforementioned districts will enjoy a reliable power supply.
“On average, Kampala consumes an estimated 643MW at peak, 617 MW during shoulder hours 486MW during off peak, it was logical that the existing substations and transmission line capacities be upgraded and, in some cases, new ones built to cater for the anticipated power demand growth,” Karamagi explained.
He went on to disclose that the government secured a $100 million loan from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the initiative, which is being carried out by a partnership between Toyota Tsusho Corporation and China Machinery Engineering Corporation. In her remarks, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the transmission and distribution infrastructure. This includes the construction of new power lines and substations, as well as the refurbishment of existing facilities, all aimed at ensuring that generated power is effectively transmitted and utilized.
The upgrade project will extend the current transmission grid in the Kampala metropolitan area by an additional 62 kilometers, enabling the transmission of an extra 1,320 MW to support commercial businesses, public institutions like schools and hospitals, and various industrial sectors.
