UETCL explores key Oil and Infrastructure developments in Albertine region

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd (UETCL) management team undertook a comprehensive field assessment of power requirements at several oil wells and hazardous waste treatment facilities at the Albertine region.

The visit is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the energy sector by ensuring reliable high voltage electricity supply tailored to the unique needs of these critical oil and gas industry developments and installations at Kingfisher Oil Field, which is operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC International) and Tilenga oil fields operated by Total BP in Hoima and Buliisa districts respectively.

The team’s two-day tour began at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda’s (PAU) regional offices in Hoima, where they received a detailed briefing on the progress of oil and gas projects in the area. The Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU ) team was comprised of Ariko Denis the manager subsurface facilities and Muhumuza Didas the senior stakeholder engagement officer.

The UETCL team led by the company C.E.O Joshua Karamagi; CFA later visited the PS1 (Pumping Station 1) site in Hoima, the starting point of the EACOP pipeline in Uganda. The delegation toured the PS1 facility and observed the pipeline construction activities firsthand. They also viewed the pipes being strung along the Right of Way, offering them a closer look at the project’s progress, an insight on Resettlement Action Plans and the scale of its infrastructure.

The team also visited the 132/33 Kv/3X80 MVA Kabaale Substation located at the Kabalega Industrial Park currently under construction by UETCL. “We recognize the vital role that high voltage electricity plays in the efficiency and safety of oil extraction infrastructure, heating the crude oil along the pipeline given its waxy nature and hazardous waste management power needs,” said Joshua Karamagi.

UETCL`s goal is to provide tailored high voltage energy solutions that not only meet current demands by the Oil and gas infrastructure but also for the anticipated future needs as industries continue to evolve at the industrial park in the Oil and gas value chain.

The delegation then proceeded to Luweero Industries Waste Management Company, where Operations Manager Bolton Namanya guided them through a field study. Luweero Industries plays a crucial role in handling waste generated from crude oil drilling at the Kingfisher Oil Field, which is operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC International) The company focuses on sustainable waste management practices to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

In a proactive initiative the second day of the tour, UETCL management team undertook a comprehensive field assessment of power requirements at Tilenga oil wells, Pump station 2 and it`s associated facilities operated by Total BP.

During the assessment, the team toured various sites, engaging with facility managers and technical staff to understand their power consumption patterns, peak demand times, and specific challenges related to their high voltage power supply.

These visits were part of the company’s ongoing commitment to support the energy sector by ensuring reliable high voltage electricity supply tailored to the unique needs of these critical operations.

The management team returned from the site visits with a wealth of information that will inform strategic planning sessions focused on enhancing grid connectivity and developing customized solutions for high voltage energy needs. The insights gained will drive initiatives that promote efficiency, sustainability, and safety across all operations.

UETCL Celebrates Women’s Day with Empowering Discussions and Activities

On March 7, 2025, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) marked International Women’s Day with a special event held at Naguru Skyz Hotel. The celebration was a formal gathering exclusively for UETCL’s female staff, who embraced the day’s theme by dressing in attire that reflected “A Touch of African.”

The event featured several impactful activities, beginning with a talk from a distinguished female lawyer, Damalie Tibugwisa, who shared her expertise on estate planning. She educated the attendees on its importance, demystified common myths surrounding it, and provided practical insights on how women can take control of their financial futures.

Following this, Patricia A. Mulumba, an inspiring speaker and advocate for women’s empowerment, delivered a compelling talk about celebrating womanhood and uplifting one another. She challenged the women of UETCL to not only support each other but to actively practice kindness and encourage each other’s growth, both personally and professionally.

The day also included a thought-provoking interactive session where the women acted out various leadership scenarios. They engaged in role-playing exercises to identify and demonstrate both poor and exemplary leadership behaviours—practical lessons that they could apply in both their personal and professional lives.

A heartfelt speech was delivered by UETCL’s Company Secretary, who expressed her gratitude to the women for their strong turnout and engagement in the event. She also read a message from the CEO, who was unable to attend, emphasizing the importance of women empowering themselves by acquiring new skills, pursuing further education, and actively seeking opportunities for growth both within and beyond UETCL.

The event concluded on a celebratory note with a gift-giving ceremony, where each attendee received a token of appreciation for their participation and continued commitment to UETCL’s success.

H.E YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI COMISSIONS THE 132 kV MIRAMA-KABALE TRANSMISSION LINE AND ASSOCIATED SUBSTATION ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2025

H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda has commissioned the 132kV Mirama-Kabale transmission line and associated substation. The project is aimed at increasing power reliability and supply to the greater Kigezi region.

The commissioning was part of the Presidential performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in Kigezi Sub-region given the critical role played by electricity in socio economic transformation.

“The commissioned high voltage power substation is aimed at boosting industrialization and job creation in this area. People must be reminded that while they celebrate the commissioning of this electricity, they have a role to play in conserving the wetlands because the water used in generating this electricity at Jinja originates from the wetlands where small rivers get the water they pour to River Nile through other rivers like Kagera,” President Museveni said.

He emphasised the importance of conserving wetlands, saying they act as reservoirs for water that is always used in generating hydropower electricity.

The Hamuko, Kabale Substation, Rubanda District electricity project, which traverses through Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale and Rubanda districts, was financed by the Islamic Development Bank with a loan of USD 83.75 million, under the oversight of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The Ministry was also pleased to highlight that most project-affected persons (PAPs) had been compensated, with 2,467 paid out of the 2,529 individuals.

In her speech, Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, expressed her gratitude for the unwavering support from the local leadership and communities of the Kigezi region. She highlighted the project’s significance in enhancing power stability, supporting rural electrification, and driving socio-economic development.

“Today, we are witnessing the commissioning of a transformative project that will significantly enhance power stability in South western Uganda, particularly in the Kigezi sub-region. This project will in addition to delivering electricity; create opportunities for industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic development,” said Hon. Nankabirwa.

According to the CEO of Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) Mr. Joshua Karamagi;CFA the successful completion of the project to ensure energy security for the Kigezi region has been made possible as a result of a collaboration with various stakeholders including; the Government of Uganda, the Islamic Development Bank, the local community and leadership and Colenco Consulting Ltd. (Nigeria), CCC-GTSCC Consortium (Nigeria), and Ceylex Engineering PVT Ltd. (Sri Lanka).

UETCL HOSTS ITS 2ND END OF YEAR STAFF ENGAGEMENT

On 6th December, 2024, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) hosted its 2nd End of Year staff engagement at Naguru Gardens in a bid to appreciate and recognize the company’s staff for their hard work and achievements over the year. The engagement brought together employees from all departments to team build and strengthen relationships and employee motivation.

This year’s engagement began at 9am with a series of team building activities aimed at fostering collaboration and enhancing communication, team work and trust among colleagues.

This event was not only for celebration but also a moment to recognize the collective accomplishments of UETCL over the year. During his speech, UETCL’s CEO, Joshua Karamagi, CFA, took the opportunity to reflect on the year’s successes and express gratitude to the staff for their continued hard work and dedication to ensuring UETCL implements its mandate of expanding, operating and maintaining the national transmission grid in their various capacities.

Mr. Karamagi also reflected on his 20 months in office highlighting the growth achieved during his tenure and emphasized his dedication to moving forward.

Awards of recognition were presented to three Employees of the Year, Outstanding Performers of each department and best performing departments. These recognitions served to highlight the efforts of those who went above and beyond to contribute to the company’s success.

As the event concluded, employees left with a renewed sense of pride and accomplishment. The CEO’s message of appreciation resonated with all attendees, reinforcing the company’s commitment to recognizing and valuing the contributions of its staff.

H.E Y. K MUSEVENI COMMISIONS THE 400kV KARUMA INTERCONNECTION PROJECT 26TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

The President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the 400kV Karuma Interconnection Project (KIP) which will evacuate the 600 MW of energy produced by the Karuma Hydropower Plant in Northern Uganda to load centres including Lira and Olwiyo in Northern Uganda and Kawanda (Kampala) in Central Uganda.

The KIP is expected to improve on accessibility and stability of power supply to Northern Uganda by benefiting current and future electricity consumers in Central, Northern and West Nile regions including residential, commercial and industrial consumers.

” The commissioning of the Karuma Interconnection Project is an achievement and milestone that will significantly boost Uganda’s electricity supply, support industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and drive the Nation’s Economic Development” Said Hon Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral development.

The 1.7-billion-dollar project was financed by the Government of Uganda and the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of China. This Transmission line infrastructure and associated Sub stations comprises of the following installations:

  • 248km Karuma-Kawanda 400kV transmission line and associated substations
  • 76km Karuma-Lira 132kV transmission line and associated substations.
  • 55km Karuma-Olwiyo 400kV transmission line and associated substations.
  • Extension of the 132kV busbar at the Lira 132/33kV substation.

“This project symbolizes enhanced collaboration, innovation, and ‘s UETCLs commitment to meeting Uganda’s energy needs and growing demand” according to Joshua Karamagi; CFA, the UETCL`s Chief Executive Officer. UETCL has continued to implement strategic projects and expand the transmission grid network in line with the Government of Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the Energy Policy 2023.

as of September 2024, UETCL’s total grid length stands at 4,962.4 km with a total of 42 substations across the country and a transformation capacity of 6,945.5 MVA.

UETCL is a public Limited Company, fully owned by the Government of the Republic of Uganda, and holds the following operational licences. System Operator, Operation of the High Voltage Transmission Grid, Bulk Power Supply, Import and Export of Power and; Public Infrastructure Provider (for ownership and operation of the Optic Fibre).

HON. DR. RUTH NANKABIRWA SSENTAMU FLAGS OFF A 370 BILLION KAMPALA METROPOLITAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ON 24TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu has officially flagged of construction of the Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project at Bulooba, in Mpigi District.

“Currently, the rapid demand growth in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) has had a toll on the equipment and assets of the already existing substations and transmission lines in GKMA. There is therefore uncertainty that there will be overloading in the near future. This is because of the load of all substations in GKMA has almost reached its maximum capacity causing some incidents of power unreliability” Said Kwame Ejalu- UETCL board Chairman.

The existing 132kV ring system is expected to lack enough capacity for transmission of the power required within the medium term (10 to 15 years) according to the sharp growth of the power demand both domestically and industrially. According to the Grid Development Plan, the development of the GKMA transmission network has put as a high priority.

The project is being constructed by EPC, The Joint Venture of Yachiyo Engineering Company Ltd and Tokyo Electric Power Services Company Ltd with funding from JICA and the Government of Uganda is expected to have major components that will include new Sub stations in Mukono, Buloba Substation in Bulooba aimed at reinforcing power supply in the areas of Mutundwe-Buloba, Bulaba-Kabulasoke and surrounding areas.

It will also cause upgrading of Mutundwe Substation. This will serve the areas of Mutundwe-Buloba, Mutundwe-Kawaala and their environs, the upgrade of Kawaala Substation targeting the areas of Kawaala- Mutudwe, -Kampala North and Bujagali Substation.

The project will also have a component of reconductoring of the currently existing 132 kV lines around the Greater Kampala Metropolitan area.

“This Greater Kampala Metropolitan Project will be a game changer in the transmission of Reliable Quality Bulk power to the central Business district of Kampala and its environs” Said Joshua Karamagi; CFA the UETCL CEO.

UETCL as the implementing government company is committed to being the backbone of Uganda’s development.  With the continued support of the Government of Uganda and development partners, the company will make great strides towards fulfilling the goals of Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III.

 

UETCL is responsible for the bulk purchase of electricity from power generators and the bulk sale of electricity to power distributors through high-voltage transmission lines. The company operates the High Voltage Transmission Grid (HVTG) above 33kV including the load dispatch system at the National Control Centre at Lugogo.

THE 31ST STEERING COMMITTEE AND 19TH COUNCIL OF MINISTERS EASTERN AFRICA POWER POOL CONFERENCE ENDS IN KAMPALA

The two-day Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) 31st Steering Committee and 19th Council of Ministers conference hosted at Serena Hotel Kampala has ended. Joshua Karamagi, CFA – UETCL, CEO and Chairperson of the EAPP Steering Committee chaired the Steering Committee meeting attended by CEOs of power trade companies of member countries.

During the two-day session, representatives from member states discussed market rules, intergovernmental agreements, and the operationalisation of regional electricity markets.

In his opening remarks the State Minister for Energy – Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Okaasai Sidronius Opolot stated that “the creation of EAPP was an important response towards coordinating our individual countries’ efforts in seeking solutions to this rapidly growing need for energy services in the region.’

The Secretary General of the EAPP Eng. Eng. James K Wahogo in his remarks stated that ‘’EAPP region has achieved certain milestones over the years towards its objective of enhancing power system interconnectivity, cross border electricity trade and institutional capacity.’

Joshua Karamgi, CFA, stated, ’Several interconnection projects were under construction in our region in the past years, of which some are approaching completion, some are in the commissioning stage, and some already commissioned’

During the meeting of the 19th Council of Ministers (COM) in Kampala, the following resolutions were made.

  1. The implementation plan for the Operationalization of the Market and Trading Unit.
  2. An amendment was proposed to the intergovernmental MOU (IGMOU) with final confirmation of the endorsements to be revisited and formally addressed at the next CoM meeting, following the completion of all required internal consultations by the member states.
  3. The CoM formally approved the proposed by-laws and rules of procedure, recognizing them as essential for the structured and transparent governance of the EAPP among others.

It was resolved that the next meeting will be held in February 2025 at the closing ceremony presided over by the chairperson Council of Minister and Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu.

The EAPP is a regional institution established in 2005 to coordinate cross-border power trade and grid interconnection among nations of the Eastern Africa region. Member countries are Burundi, Djibouti, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Libya. South Sudan and Somalia as they promote equitable sharing of energy.

H.E YOWERI KAGUTA MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS THE 132kV KOLE-GULU-NEBBI-ARUA TRANSMISSION PROJECT IN NEBBI DISTRICT ON 3RD AUGUST 2024.

H.E. Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda has commissioned the 132kV Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission line which will connect the West Nile region to the national transmission grid.

“Previously, the West Nile region experienced poor quality power supply and frequent outages because the available supply could not meet the demand. The line that was commissioned will increase the supply to the region.” Said Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa – Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.

This project will not only connect West Nile to the grid but it will also reinforce supply to the entire region coupled with the evacuation of electricity from the Karuma, Agago/Achwa, Nyagak I and Nyagak III hydropower plants to meet the region’s unserved demand and enable an environment for investment and industrialisation. This will in turn greatly contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

“As of July 2024, UETCL’s total grid length stood at 4,962.4 km with a total of 42 substations and a transformation capacity of 6,945.5 MVA which includes the 132/33kV Kole – Gulu – Nebbi – Arua transmission line and associated substations.” Said Mr Kwame Ejalu, the UETCL Board chairperson.

The World Bank, through the International Development Association (IDA), financed the construction of the transmission line infrastructure through a loan of USD 100 million while the Government of Uganda funded the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) at the cost of 31.3 billion Uganda Shillings.

The design, supply and installation of the 132kV Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission line was implemented by KEC International Limited while the design, supply and installation of the 132kV Kole Switching Station and 132kV Gulu Substations with associated 33kV Interconnection Lines was implemented by the Joint Venture of AVIC International Holding Corporation and Central Southern China Electric Power Design Institute Co. Ltd (China).

UETCL as an implementing government company is committed to being the backbone of Uganda’s development.  With the continued support of the Government of Uganda and development partners, the company will make great strides towards fulfilling the goals of Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III.

UETCL is responsible for the bulk purchase of electricity from power generators and the bulk sale of electricity to power distributors through high-voltage transmission lines. The company operates the High Voltage Transmission Grid (HVTG) above 33kV including the load dispatch system at the National Control Centre at lugogo.

UETCL COMEMORATES WORLD BLOOD DONOR DAY

On 14th June every year, the world commemorates the world donor day. This year, the day will be celebrated under the theme “Share life, Give blood”.

As a commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) staff with support from Uganda Blood Transfusion Service, donated blood to increase supply to those in need. This was held on 12th June 2024 at the UETCL Head offices on Hannington Road, Kampala and it`s Lugogo based offices.

According to the United Nations, Uganda collects 350,000 out of the 450,000 Units of blood that are needed to save life. In the recent past, the country has been faced with acute shortage of blood needed to save life especially for patients with life threatening health conditions, accident victims, cancer victims among others.

UETCL is committed to the Social wellbeing of it`s staff and the community at large in guarding our core values through team work by donating blood.

UETCL is an ISO certified Public limited company, owned by Government of Uganda that started operations in 2001. It holds the following operational licenses, System Operator, Operation of High Voltage Transmission Grid, Bulk power supply, Import and Export of power; and Public Infrastructure Provider (For ownership and operation of the optic Fibre).

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