President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Saturday inaugurated the newly constructed Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua Transmission line, integrating the West Nile sub-region into Uganda’s national power grid. The 132kV power line was successfully energized at Nebbi Substation.
During the commissioning, President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s electricity sector history and the journey to connect West Nile to the national grid. He dismissed claims that West Nile had been neglected, describing such accusations as unfounded and disruptive.
“When the NRM came into government, the only installed power in Uganda was Owen Falls Dam with a generation capacity of 150 Megawatts, but only four turbines (15 Megawatts each) were functional, totaling 60 Megawatts. Of this, 30 Megawatts were contractually supplied to Kenya, leaving Uganda with just 30 Megawatts,” Museveni explained.
He recounted the government’s efforts to increase power capacity, starting with repairing the Owen Falls Dam to its full 150 Megawatts capacity and enhancing it to 180 Megawatts. The President expressed frustration over past Parliament members who obstructed efforts to generate affordable electricity, notably mentioning a missed opportunity with an American group to develop Bujagali at 4.9 cents per unit. The project eventually proceeded under different terms, resulting in a cost of 16 cents per unit.
Museveni emphasized the importance of infrastructure development post-2006 elections, highlighting the creation of the energy fund, which facilitated negotiations with China to construct the Karuma and Isimba dams, adding significant capacity to the national grid.
He suggested developing an industrial park in West Nile to capitalize on the increased power availability, potentially attracting investors to set up factories in the region.
Energy and Mineral Development Minister, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, expressed satisfaction with West Nile’s connection to the national grid, acknowledging the prioritization of this project despite various challenges. She praised President Museveni for his leadership in ensuring the country’s stability and development, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.
The Ministry of Energy, through its implementing agency UETCL, reaffirmed its commitment to the Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III by completing various power transmission projects to ensure nationwide access to electricity.
The event was attended by Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, Minister of State in-charge of Minerals Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, Minister of State for Northern Uganda Affairs Dr. Kenneth Omona, UETCL Board Chairman Mr. Kwame Ejalu, and other dignitaries.