Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), together with the Government of Uganda, the Government of the United Kingdom, British International Investment (BII) and Gridworks officially broke ground for the Amari Power Transmission Project in Mbarara on 1st July 2026, marking the commencement of a landmark investment in Uganda’s electricity transmission network.

The Amari Power Transmission Project aims to improve power quality and reliability of electricity supply in the project regions while strengthening reliable power exports to Kenya through Tororo and Rwanda through Mirama. The project will upgrade the Tororo, Mbarara North, Mbarara South and Nkenda substations, enhancing the capacity and resilience of Uganda’s high-voltage transmission network.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the representative of UETCL’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Daniel Kisira (the Head Projects Implementation), described the project as more than the beginning of a major infrastructure investment, noting that it represents a shared commitment between Uganda and the United Kingdom to strengthen energy security, support sustainable development and unlock economic transformation.

Building on this theme of partnership, The Right Honourable Minister for Development of the United Kingdom, Baroness Chapman, highlighted the UK’s transition from being solely a development partner to becoming an investor in Uganda’s energy sector, noting that the Amari Power Transmission Project reflects the strength of partnerships built on mutual respect, shared ambition and a commitment to sustainable development.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero, hailed the project as a historic milestone for Uganda and Africa, describing it as the continent’s first independent power transmission project to reach financial close and commence implementation. She reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring the successful implementation of the project and pledged that Uganda would honour the confidence demonstrated by the Government of the United Kingdom and all project partners.

The Amari Power Transmission Project aligns with UETCL’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, which seeks to develop a resilient, efficient and future-ready transmission network that supports economic growth, industrialisation and regional power integration. As implementation begins, UETCL remains committed to working closely with Government, financiers, contractors, local leaders and host communities to ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently and sustainably for the benefit of Uganda and the wider region.

Transmitting for Transformation.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), in partnership with the Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS), successfully conducted its annual blood donation drive at the Company’s Head Office, Nakasero, collecting a total of 72 units of blood to support the national blood bank.

The drive was held in commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2026 and aligned with this year’s global theme, “From Donor to Delivery: Blood Availability for Postpartum Hemorrhage Deaths Elimination.” The theme underscores the critical importance of timely access to safe blood in preventing maternal deaths caused by excessive bleeding during and after childbirth.

Speaking at the event, UETCL Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Richard Matsiko, reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to supporting national health initiatives through voluntary blood donation. He emphasized that access to safe and sufficient blood supplies remains a cornerstone of effective healthcare delivery and a vital contributor to saving lives across Uganda.

Uganda’s national blood demand is estimated at between 450,000 and 500,000 units annually. However, collection levels frequently fall short of this requirement, resulting in persistent shortages that affect hospitals and health facilities nationwide. Blood remains critical for emergency surgeries, accident and trauma cases, maternal complications, children suffering from severe malaria and anaemia, as well as patients undergoing treatment for chronic illnesses.

Over the years, UETCL’s annual blood donation drives have made a meaningful contribution to national blood stocks. The Company has now cumulatively collected 392 units of blood through successive drives, reflecting sustained participation by staff, their families, friends, stakeholders, and members of the public.

This year’s contribution of 72 units further demonstrates UETCL’s strong culture of corporate social responsibility and its commitment to saving lives through voluntary blood donation.

The initiative forms part of UETCL’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility programme, which focuses on health, education, environmental sustainability, and community development. The Company remains committed to working closely with UBTS and other stakeholders to promote voluntary blood donation and support efforts to ensure adequate and reliable blood supplies for all Ugandans.

The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) convened its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Financial Year 2024/2025 on 26th March 2026, bringing together shareholders and key government stakeholders to review the Company’s performance and strategic direction.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, and the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija. Also, present were the State Minister for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot; the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Bateebe; representatives from the Office of the Attorney General; as well as members of UETCL’s Board of Directors and Senior Management.

In his address, UETCL Board Chair, Mr. Kwame Ejalu, highlighted the Company’s performance over the financial year and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering on its strategic objectives and supporting national energy sector priorities.

During the year under review, UETCL recorded a 9.3% increase in revenue from energy sales, rising to UGX 1,672.8 billion from UGX 1,530.0 billion in the previous financial year. Electricity sales volumes grew by 11.8% to 6,745.08 GWh, driven by increased system demand, while peak system demand rose to 1,202.9 MW. These trends underscore the country’s growing electricity needs and the critical role of sustained investment in transmission infrastructure.

In her remarks, Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa commended UETCL for the continued expansion and strengthening of the national transmission grid. She urged the Company’s management to remain focused on delivering a reliable, efficient, and future-ready transmission system to support Uganda’s socio-economic development.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) signed a Transmission Services Agreement with Gridworks, marking a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s national electricity transmission network. The Ceremony was graced by the presence of Her Excellency, Lisa Chesney- British High Commissioner to Uganda and the CEO- Gridworks, Mr. Christopher Flavin.

The agreement, executed on 3 February 2026, enables the Amari Power Transmission Project to move into construction, making it Africa’s first Independent Transmission Project (ITP) to reach this stage. The project aligns with government-led electricity sector reforms introduced under the amended Electricity Act 2022, which promote private sector participation in transmission infrastructure development.

Through this US$50 million pilot project, Gridworks will upgrade four critical high-voltage substations at Tororo, Nkenda, Mbarara North, and Mbarara South. The upgrades will enhance grid reliability, support growing electricity demand, improve power quality, and enable greater integration of renewable energy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, at the UETCL Head Office, Eng. Richard Matsiko, CEO of UETCL, described the partnership as strategic and transformative, noting that it will deliver tangible improvements to the national grid while easing the investment burden on government.

The Amari project will strengthen power supply to industrial users, support future regional interconnections, and create employment during construction. As a pilot, it also establishes a regulatory framework to attract private investment for future grid expansion.

UETCL looks forward to the successful implementation of this project and its contribution to a more reliable, efficient, and resilient national transmission system.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) today hosted an Early Market Engagement (EME) workshop for the 400kV Uganda–Tanzania Interconnection Project (UTIP) at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.

The engagement brought together UETCL Management and staff, development partners, prospective bidders and service providers interested in participating in the landmark regional power infrastructure project.

The Early Market Engagement is a critical step in the project preparation process, aimed at promoting transparency, assessing market readiness, and gathering industry feedback to inform a robust and competitive procurement strategy.

This project, financed by the International Development Association (World Bank), is expected to enhance power trade between Uganda and Tanzania while strengthening the resilience and stability of the interconnected power systems.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of UETCL, Eng. Richard Matsiko, underscored the strategic importance of the Uganda–Tanzania Interconnection Project, describing it as a key regional integration asset. He noted that the project will reinforce grid stability, support increased electricity trade between the two countries, and advance the objectives of the Eastern Africa Power

Pool, while contributing to energy security, economic growth, and industrial development across the region.

Eng. Matsiko further highlighted that the project aligns with Uganda’s national development priorities, including Vision 2040 and the Energy Policy 2023, which emphasize the delivery of reliable and affordable electricity to support industrialization and regional competitiveness.

The scope of the Uganda–Tanzania Interconnection Project has been structured into three main lots, comprising the construction of a 400kV double-circuit overhead transmission line from Wobulenzi to Masaka (165.1 km), a 400kV double-circuit overhead transmission line from Masaka to Mutukula (92 km), and the construction of a new 2×250 MVA, 400/220/33kV Masaka substation alongside extensions to the proposed 400kV Wobulenzi substation.

UETCL encouraged active participation from all stakeholders, noting that insights from the market will be instrumental in shaping a procurement approach that is competitive and efficient capable bidders, while ensuring value for money.

UETCL is committed to fulfilling its mandate as outlined in its 2025–2030 Corporate Strategic Plan, to develop and operate high-voltage transmission infrastructure that delivers long-term national and regional value.

The UETCL Board of Directors has appointed Eng. Richard Matsiko as the Acting Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect during its ordinary sitting on Thursday 24th July 2025This follows the resignation of Mr. Joshua Karamagi, CFA from his position as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UETCL.  The Board of Directors accepted the resignation.

Eng. Richard Matsiko is well respected in the Electricity Supply Industry with a rich background.  He started his career as a Trainee Electrical Engineer at Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) on 1st March 1991, transitioned to UETCL as a Principal Protection Engineer and rose through the ranks to the position of the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, UETCL.

Eng. Richard Matsiko is also the Chairman Power Purchase Agreement Committee and also the Committee charged with delivering the new UETCL Towers (Head Office Building).

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Mr. Joshua Karamagi, CFA for his significant contribution to UETCL. During his time as the CEO, Joshua superintended over key projects like the Gulu -Agago 132 kV, Kole -Gulu-Nebbi- Arua 132 kV project and spearheaded the development of the five (5) year strategic plan of the Company, among other achievements. The Board wishes Mr. Joshua Karamagi the very best in his future endeavors.

Please join the Board in congratulating Eng. Matsiko and wishing him success in his new commission.

WAKISO — A remarkable transformation has taken place within our team as a dedicated group of female UETCL staff members recently completed an intensive three-day leadership and capacity building training program held from the 2nd – 4th July 2025. This empowering initiative aimed to enhance their professional skills, boost confidence, and foster a culture of strong, capable female leaders within the company.

Over the course of three engaging days facilitated by Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), a consulting firm, participants delved into essential leadership principles, strategic thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving techniques. The training emphasized not only technical skills but also the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and peer support — vital components for navigating today’s dynamic work environment.

This capacity-building program is part of UETCL`s broader commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering female staff in the workplace. “Investing in our female staff is investing in the future of our organization,” said UETCL Head of HR& Administration Halima Namatovu; CHRBP

“By providing them with the tools and confidence to lead, we are fostering a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient team.”

Participants expressed enthusiasm and renewed motivation following the training. “It was an eye-opening experience,” shared Suzan Kisakye, Senior Performance Management Officer. “This leadership training has significantly enhanced my confidence and preparedness to take on greater responsibilities.  It’s a worthwhile investment in both personal and professional development. I now feel more confident to take on leadership roles and contribute more effectively to our team’s success.”

Grace Nyapendi, Senior Projects Engineer highlighted the importance of networking and peer support cultivated during the sessions. I was expecting something normal and routine, but I got a whole different positive experience instead that made me think differently about leadership, self-promotion, and self-awareness.  Connecting with other women facing similar challenges has been incredibly empowering as we build a culture and community that supports and uplifts each other.”

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, the organization plans to implement ongoing leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities tailored for female staff. The goal is to create a sustainable pipeline of female leaders who can drive positive change and innovation within the organization and beyond.

UETCL is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees have the opportunity to thrive. Through targeted training programs, community engagement, and strategic initiatives, the organization is dedicated to building an empowered, capable workforce ready to face the challenges of tomorrow as we continue to Transmit for Transformation.

UETCL launched the inaugural edition of its new corporate newsletter, Grid Connect, on 9th May 2025 at its head office on Hannington Road. A tent was set up at the main entrance, and copies were handed out to staff, visitors, and partners as they arrived—marking the beginning of what promises to be a dynamic platform for sharing ideas, updates, and insights from across the organisation.

Grid Connect serves as a cross-departmental publication, with contributions from staff in all areas of the company—not just engineers, but also colleagues in finance, human resources, IT, administration, and more. This collaborative approach ensures the content reflects the full spectrum of experience and expertise within UETCL.

The first edition features a rich variety of articles exploring critical themes such as UETCL’s strategic direction, evolving approaches to risk management, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in the future of the energy sector. These stories, and many others, are designed to inform, engage, and spark conversation both within UETCL and across the wider energy community.

Published every six months and distributed both internally and externally, Grid Connect is positioned as a key communication tool—supporting transparency, promoting knowledge-sharing, and reinforcing UETCL’s leadership in Uganda’s energy sector.

As Grid Connect begins its journey, it offers readers not just updates, but a deeper understanding of the people, ideas, and innovations powering the grid behind the scenes.

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