Greater Kampala Power Upgrade Nears Completion as UETCL Reports 90.57% Progress

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project is 90.57% complete, with Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited saying the upgrade has entered its final phase. The update followed a Thursday inspection of works by UETCL Chief Executive Officer Eng. Richard Matsiko and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne R. Rwabwogo.

According to the report, UETCL said the Maya (Buloba) 220/132/33kV substation has been completed, while remaining work includes re-conductoring key 132kV transmission lines and upgrading existing substations. The project, valued at JPY 13 billion, or about USD 83.3 million, is financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency through a concessional loan to the Government of Uganda and implemented by UETCL.

Nile Post reported that officials warned planned power interruptions will continue as crews complete the remaining works safely. Matsiko apologised to affected residents and businesses, while UEDCL’s Rwabwogo said the short-term disruptions are expected to lead to more stable supply, fewer network constraints and improved service as demand rises. UETCL said Greater Kampala, Uganda’s largest electricity-consuming area, is seeing demand growth of about 15% per year and that existing transmission infrastructure is close to capacity.

The project covers new substations at Maya (Buloba) and Mukono, upgrades at Kawaala, Mutundwe and Bujagali, new transmission lines, reinforcement of existing 132kV lines and a mobile substation at Namungoona. Once commissioned, officials expect the works to expand transmission capacity, reduce blackout risks, support industrial growth and help future connections, including UEDCL’s target of 300,000 new customers annually.