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).

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 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. 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.

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).

There is no doubt that sports in general has played a very key role in uniting and bringing together communities with diverse interests and aspirations. The Ugandan Corporate arena has not been spared by the huge influence that has been created by this different games especially football among others.

The Ugandan corporate class has for long been in the lookout for corporate events that would bring together different players among the corporates as a way to not only enhance healthy living but also be able to provide a unique opportunity for corporate companies to participate in purpose-built corporate sports programmes that will run throughout the year.

This informed the return of UETCL into Corporate Sports activities in 2024 being a company that pays key attention to the social wellbeing of it`s employees. The birth of the Corporate Sports Network, the organizers of fresh monthly sports outings brings together over 30 companies taking part and participating in games like football, volley ball, pool, swimming among others. The company`s participation in the games has had a leverage in team building, branding, free exhibitions, marketing and publicity opportunities.

UETCL`S team dubbed the “Mega Watts” made a unique return in the 2nd outing of the electrifying games that took place in April 2024 at the Maroons Play ground in Luzira where they exhibited spectacular skills and professional football in it`s encounter with other corporates.

The company would later return to the just concluded 3rd Edition for the 2024 season in May 2024 played at MUBS Nakawa campus with the main objective of promoting productive corporate networks by bringing it`s employees together and creating an enabling environment for them to network with staff of other member companies participating in various sports activities in the league every month.

The Games that run for nine months will be concluded by a Grand Dinner and awards ceremony in December 2024.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, UETCL hosted female staff on 7th March 2024 at Protea Hotel – Naguru Skyz. The celebrations were held under the international theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion” and were facilitated by the guest of honour, UETCL Board Member, Sylvia Nabatanzi Muwebwa.

The celebrations kicked off with opening remarks from the Head Human Resource & Administration, Halima Namatovu, who thanked the attendees for honouring the invitation and coming together to celebrate womanhood.

She then invited the first speaker of the day, the Company Secretary, Stella Ladona Wattanga Aseru who encourages the ladies to look after themselves despite how much life demands of them at work and at home. She stated that she was hopeful that by the next women’s day celebrations, all the women in attendance will have embraced growth and opportunities both inside and outside UETCL.

Ms Sylvia Nabatanzi Muwebwa – the guest of honour spoke thereafter sharing encouraging messages and personal life lessons with the conclusion, “Men and women should be afforded the same opportunities. It is our responsibility as women to harness the opportunities given to us and open the door for the women behind us.”

UETCL recognizes the importance of diversity among its staff. In celebration of this diversity, the company hosted Muslim staff for Iftar at Protea Hotel – Naguru Skyz.

Before breaking their fast, the attendees were addressed by Sheikh Jafaar Drapali who re-emphasized the importance of Ramadan and shared encouraging messages reminding staff to stay the course and stay engaged in their devotion to Allah.

The UETCL CEO, Joshua Karamagi, CFA, spoke thereafter thanking staff for honouring the invitation stating that, “Diversity is UETCL’s strength and such social gatherings are essential in building a strong organizational culture as we come together as colleagues.”

The evening closed with Maghrib prayers followed by Iftar and staff were able to leave at leisure.

On 18th November 2023, UETCL commissioned the 132kV Gulu-Agago transmission project at the Agago substation in Pader district. The State Minister for Energy, Hon. Okaasai Sidronius Opolot, was the Guest of Honour during the ceremony.

He said, “This newly commissioned Gulu – Agago Transmission Line is in line with the energy policy 2023 and the Energy Development Programme of the National Development Plan (NDP), Phase–III to ensure the power generated is evacuated and consumed.”

This project is evacuating power from the Agago/Achwa 83MW Hydropower Plant which is a strategic line part of the power corridor intended to extend power to the West Nile region through the Olwiyo – Nebbi – Arua Transmission Line.

This commissioning of this line will save the Government of Uganda deemed energy costs worth USD 2.5 million per month and will directly benefit the people of Gulu, Omoro and Pader Districts by ensuring the supply of reliable and stable power to these areas” said Joshua Karamagi, CFA – CEO, UETCL.

Construction of this project commenced in September 2021 and was completed within 18 months which is attributed to the commitment of UETCL and its contractors, Larsen & Tourbo Limited and KEC International Limited.

The Gulu-Agago project has been completed within 18 months of construction. We now turn our focus on the implementation of ongoing, planned system expansion and network upgrade projects for a robust system that will withstand the country’s growing demand and generation capacity in line with the envisaged 52,000 MW by 2040.” Said Mr. Kwame Ejalu Ejuku – Chairman, Board of Directors – UETCL.

The project was financed through a loan of EUR 40,000,000 from the German Government through Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). This amount covered the cost of the transmission line and associated substations. The Government of Uganda financed the supervision, land acquisition and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) Implementation costs.

UETCL is committed to fulfilling its mandate as the Transmission System Operator through the implementation of power evacuation, system expansion and grid reinforcement projects which will ensure the supply of reliable and quality power within the country and the region.

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