The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has energized the Nebbi substation, marking a significant step towards connecting the West Nile sub-region to the national power grid. This development is expected to alleviate the region’s decades-long struggle with erratic power supply.
“Today, UETCL energized the Nebbi substation in preparation for the commissioning of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission project, which will connect West Nile to the grid,” UETCL announced on Monday night.
The West Nile sub-region, which includes districts such as Adjumani, Arua City, Arua District, Koboko, Maracha, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Terego, Yumbe, and Zombo, has been disconnected from the national power grid since the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) in 2003.
The Ugandan government previously granted a 20-year concession to the West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo) to generate, distribute, and sell electricity in the sub-region. To further bolster power generation, Electromaxx was introduced, operating the Euata thermal plant in Vurra Constituency, Arua District, with a generation capacity of 8.3 megawatts. This was intended to supplement the Nyagak 1 hydropower plant, established by WENRECo in 2006 with a capacity of 3.5 megawatts. Despite these efforts, the region has continued to face unreliable power supply.
Regional leaders, particularly members of Parliament, have consistently urged the government to connect West Nile to the national power grid. Their calls seem to be nearing fruition, with reports indicating that the connection of the West Nile sub-region to the national grid will occur this August, following the successful completion of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission line.
UETCL’s Chief Executive Officer, Joshua Karamagi, confirmed that the Gulu-Olwiyo 132kV line portion of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua (KGNA) project was successfully energized on Saturday, July 27, 2024. This milestone extends the transmission grid to West Nile.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa recently inspected the project ahead of its official launch by President Museveni. The Ministry of Energy, through UETCL, remains committed to implementing Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan III by completing various power transmission projects to ensure nationwide access to the national grid.
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