UEDCL rewires western grid to power 700 businesses

What the report says

The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has begun work to integrate the UETCL Mirama Hills Substation into the western distribution network, a move intended to improve electricity supply in Isingiro, Ntungamo, Rukungiri and parts of Rwampara. The Observer reports that the project follows installation of a 15MVA transformer at the site and is aimed at addressing unreliable power, unstable voltage and technical losses affecting the existing feeder system.

According to UEDCL, the Kikagati-Ntungamo feeder is being split at Mirama Hills so one line can serve Ntungamo, Rukungiri and part of Rwampara, while another will supply Isingiro and nearby areas. The company says this should shorten the route for power coming from the Kikagati Hydropower Plant on the Kagera River and make the network more efficient. UEDCL’s western region commercial services head, Eng. Alex Atukunda, said the present configuration is not optimal because of limited local load and resulting losses.

The company estimates that more than 30,000 households and about 700 commercial customers will benefit, including Terra Industrial Development Company, an iron-processing plant in Ntungamo with high electricity demand. UEDCL says better supply is important for households, but also for factories that need stable power to avoid disruptions and equipment damage. The work started in August 2026 and is expected to finish by mid-September, with a second phase still awaiting approval.