West Nile Connected To The National Electricity Grid

Residents in the West Nile region are excited following the connection of their districts to the national grid.

This long-awaited moment happened on Friday as President Museveni commissioned a newly constructed transmission line. The line, which runs from Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua, connects the West Nile sub-region to the national power grid. Its point of entry into the region is Nebbi, where the president was present for energization.

At the launch of the 132kV power line, President Museveni used the moment to remind the public about NRM’s achievements.

“When the NRM came into government, the only installed power in Uganda was Owen Falls Dam. It had a generation capacity of 150 Megawatts, with only four turbines working out of ten. Therefore, the total Megawatts in Uganda was 60 Megawatts. By contract, we had to send 30 Megawatts to Kenya. This was a contract between the colonies of Kenya and Uganda long ago. Therefore, the actual power in Uganda was 30 Megawatts.” Museveni

According to Museveni, when the NRM came into power, Owen Falls Dam was working below capacity. He commended his government for repairing and boosting its capacity to 180 Megawatts. With 180 MW, Uganda could keep at least 150 MW after selling 30 MW to Kenya.

“I worked so hard and got an American group to develop Bujagali on a private basis. We agreed that they should sell electricity at 4.9 cents per unit. When we took it to Parliament, they blocked it. Actually, you should find out who these MPs were who blocked the proposal because we cannot go on like this. Actually, sometimes I feel I should go back to the bush and do some damage to something or what?” President Museveni said.

The President also revealed that the country has a lot of unused power. He announced plans to develop a massive industrial park in West Nile.

Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Ruth Nankabirwa stated that the President’s investment has stabilized the country. She noted improvements in infrastructure, including roads, transport, and electricity. Nankabirwa explained that one cannot supply what isn’t available.

The West Nile sub-region previously relied on a power grid operated by the West Nile Rural Electrification Company Limited, which has been unreliable. The new transmission line is expected to significantly enhance socio-economic development in the region.