Uganda Commissions 183MW Hydro-dam

President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni is scheduled to officially commission a 183 megawatts hydro-dam today, following four years of construction.

According to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Robert Kasande, at present energy losses and inefficiencies resulting from ageing infrastructure is a key contributor to power tariffs. As such the Government hopes the launch could result in tariff reductions for large-scale consumers. Further benefits can be expected once the 600-megawatts Karuma dam is completed.  The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UECGL) has indicated that it will sell electricity from Isimba at a rate of $5 cents a unit, which is significantly lower than the $8 cents charged for Bujagali dam.

It is further hoped that the facility will boost the competitiveness of local business, as well as the country’s investment credentials more broadly.

The Isimba hydro-dam is located in Kayunga District, north-east of Kampala. It has been built at a cost of Shs2 trillion by Chine International Water and Electric Corporation. While Uganda has covered 15 per cent of the cost the majority has been bankrolled by China’s Export-Import (Exim) Bank.