Hydropower Projects on the Books in Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni pushed the need to develop alternative sources of energy in his New Year address to the nation. In an effort to combat continuous power shortages, the president instructed the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy to fast-track the development of the Karuma project.

The best replica watches president also reported to Ugandan citizens that construction on the Bujagali project commenced in August 2007. “I am pleased to report to fellow Ugandans that the construction of Bujagali power dam is in progress and moving on smoothly,” Museveni said. “I am now directing the ministries of energy and finance to commence with the fast-track development of the Karuma hydropower project in 2008.” Museveni said the completion of these two projects is a key objective towards the industrialization and transformation of the Uganda economy.

The Karuma hydro-power plant is to be located 3-km upstream of the Karuma Bridge in northern Uganda and it is expected to consist of four units, each generating 50 MW or 200 MW in total. There is also an option to add another 50-100 MW later.  The project has been on the books for some time but has not been pushed forward until recently.

The design concept behind the Karuma project is based on tunneling an underground power station. The only structures on the surface will be the switchyard, roads, and buildings. The power project is expected to be completed in 2009.

In the mid-term Museveni said there would be the 100 MW Isimba hydropower development as well as other renewable energy projects in Kakira, Lugazi, and Kinyara. In the long-term the country has hydropower projects at sites including; Ayago North with rapids of a generation capacity of 300 MW, Ayago South with 200 MW, and Uhuru with 300 MW on the books.