The project will upgrade the 33kV Nkenda–Kasese and Nkenda–Ishaka distribution feeders, which have suffered frequent power outages since 2022, disrupting households, businesses and industries across the three districts.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt Joe Walusimbi welcomed the investment, describing it as critical to improving electricity supply and supporting economic growth in the region.
"This intervention is timely and we are positive that it will greatly improve electricity reliability for our communities and support economic activities in the region. I pledge to work with UEDCL to ensure that this critical infrastructure is protected from vandalism," Walusimbi said.
He called on residents to work with authorities in protecting electricity infrastructure from vandalism, saying reliable power benefits the entire community.
Johnson Okochi, the project manager, said the Nkenda–Ishaka line was identified in 2022 as one of Uganda's worst-performing distribution networks, recording more than 500 hours of outages annually.
He attributed the poor performance to bush burning, particularly in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which has accelerated the deterioration of wooden electricity poles.
Okochi also cited increased electricity generation from the Kyambura, Lubilia and Nyamagasani I and II small hydropower plants, whose combined installed capacity of 34 megawatts has placed additional strain on the ageing network.
"To improve the reliability of both the Nkenda–Kasese and Nkenda–Ishaka feeders, we will replace deteriorated wooden pole infrastructure and reinforce critical sections of the network to accommodate the growing electricity generation from Independent Power Producers," Okochi said.
Under the project, UEDCL will upgrade more than 100 kilometres of distribution conductors, replace over 1,000 wooden poles with concrete poles, and install auto-reclosers and motorised air-break switches to strengthen the network.
According to Okochi, the improvements will enhance electricity reliability, increase power evacuation capacity, reduce technical losses and improve the quality of electricity supplied to customers.
"Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce power outages and unplanned power failures on both the Nkenda–Ishaka and Nkenda–Kasese 33kV feeders. The upgraded network will also enable the efficient evacuation of electricity generated by hydropower plants within the Rwenzori region," he said.
UEDCL Rwenzori Manager Marion Ninsiima said customers should expect more stable electricity services once the project is completed, although temporary disruptions will occur during implementation.
"The upgraded infrastructure will improve switching operations and stability of the network. Our customers should expect fewer interruptions, improved voltage stability and more reliable power supply," Ninsiima said.
She said planned outages will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays over the next eight months to allow engineers to carry out the upgrade works safely.
"Unfortunately, during the repair period, there may be intermittent supply as a result. We appeal to our customers to bear with us during this period for better service delivery at the end of the project," she said.
The Nkenda–Ishaka Capacity and Reliability Improvement Project is part of UEDCL's broader investment programme to modernise Uganda's electricity distribution infrastructure and improve the quality and reliability of power supply across its service areas.