KAMPALA — The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project has reached 90.57 percent completion, with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) expressing confidence that the project will significantly improve electricity reliability and support the capital’s growing power demand.
The progress update was announced following a joint inspection of the project by UETCL Chief Executive Officer Eng. Richard Matsiko and UEDCL Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne R. Rwabwogo.
The officials assessed ongoing works under the project, which is designed to strengthen the transmission network serving the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
According to UETCL, the Maya (Buloba) 220/132/33kV substation has already been completed, while work continues on the re-conductoring of critical 132kV transmission lines and upgrades to existing substations. Some of the construction activities require planned electricity outages to ensure the safety of workers, the public and the integrity of the transmission system.
The project is financed through a JPY 13 billion (approximately US$83.3 million) concessional loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to the Government of Uganda and is being implemented by UETCL. Construction is being undertaken by a consortium comprising China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC).
Speaking during the inspection, Eng. Matsiko acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the planned power interruptions but said they were necessary to deliver a stronger and more reliable electricity network.
“We understand the inconvenience these planned outages have caused to businesses and residents across the Kampala Metropolitan Area. However, these interruptions are a necessary part of delivering a stronger, more reliable transmission network capable of meeting the city’s rapidly growing electricity demand. We are now in the final stages of implementation and are working diligently to complete the remaining works as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.
UETCL noted that electricity demand in the Kampala Metropolitan Area continues to grow by an estimated 15 percent annually, driven by urbanisation, industrialisation and commercial expansion.
The utility said the existing transmission infrastructure is operating close to its design capacity, making investments in network expansion essential to improve reliability, reduce congestion and enhance the quality of electricity supply.
The project includes construction of new substations at Maya and Mukono, upgrading existing substations at Kawaala, Mutundwe and Bujagali, installation of new transmission lines, re-conductoring of existing 132kV lines and deployment of a mobile substation at Namungoona to strengthen electricity supply across the metropolitan area.
Eng. Rwabwogo said the temporary inconveniences experienced by customers would deliver long-term improvements in electricity service.
“While customers are experiencing temporary interruptions today, the long-term benefits will be significant. This investment will improve the stability and quality of power supply, reduce network constraints, and enable us to serve customers more efficiently as demand continues to grow,” she said.
She appealed to customers to remain patient as construction enters its final stages.
“Unfortunately, during the UETCL grid improvement works, there is intermittent supply as a result. We appeal to our customers to bear with us during this period for a great and better service delivery at the end of the day,” Eng. Rwabwogo added.
She noted that the strengthened transmission network will support UEDCL’s ambitious electricity access programme, which targets connecting up to 300,000 new customers every year.
Once completed, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project is expected to substantially increase transmission capacity, improve grid resilience, reduce the risk of widespread power outages and support strategic infrastructure projects, including the planned Buloba Pump Station under Uganda’s oil and gas development programme.
UETCL and UEDCL reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the public informed throughout the remaining phase of the project and thanked customers for their continued patience and cooperation as Uganda invests in a stronger and more reliable electricity transmission network.