The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project has reached 90.57% completion, with electricity authorities saying the upgrade is entering its final phase as they work to strengthen power supply reliability in the capital and surrounding areas.
The progress was confirmed during an inspection of the project by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) Chief Executive Officer Eng. Richard Matsiko and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne Rwabwogo.
The Maya (Buloba) 220/132/33kV Substation, one of the key components of the project, has been completed, while other works including re-conductoring of critical 132kV transmission lines and upgrades at existing substations are ongoing.
The project requires planned power interruptions to allow engineers safely undertake the works while protecting the transmission network and the public.
Financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a JPY13 billion (about US$83.3 million) concessional loan to the Government of Uganda, the project is being implemented by UETCL.
The works are being undertaken by a consortium of China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC).
Speaking during the inspection, Eng. Matsiko acknowledged the inconvenience caused by planned outages, but said the interruptions were necessary to deliver a stronger electricity network capable of meeting Kampala’s growing energy demand.
“We understand the inconvenience these planned outages have caused to businesses and residents across the Kampala Metropolitan Area. However, these interruptions are a necessary part of delivering a stronger, more reliable transmission network capable of meeting the city's rapidly growing electricity demand,” Matsiko said.
He said the project had reached the final stages of implementation and that efforts were underway to complete the remaining works safely and quickly.
The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area is Uganda’s largest electricity consumer, with demand estimated to be growing by about 15% annually due to urbanisation, industrialisation and commercial expansion.
Authorities say the existing transmission infrastructure is operating close to its design limits, making investments in additional capacity and network upgrades critical to reducing congestion and improving reliability.
The project components include construction of new substations at Maya and Mukono, upgrading of existing substations at Kawaala, Mutundwe and Bujagali, installation of new transmission lines, re-conductoring of existing 132kV transmission lines and deployment of a mobile substation at Namungoona.
Eng. Rwabwogo said the investment would improve electricity service delivery and enable UEDCL to better serve its growing customer base.
“While customers are experiencing temporary interruptions today, the long-term benefits will be significant. This investment will improve the stability and quality of power supply, reduce network constraints, and enable us to serve customers more efficiently as demand continues to grow,” she said.
She apologised to customers affected by the planned outages, saying the disruptions were unavoidable during the implementation of the grid improvement works.
“Unfortunately, during the UETCL grid improvement works, there is intermittent supply as a result. We appeal to our customers to bear with us during this period for a great and better service delivery at the end of the day,” Rwabwogo said.
She added that the improved network resilience would support UEDCL’s expansion programme, which targets connecting up to 300,000 new customers annually.
Upon completion, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project is expected to increase transmission capacity, reduce the risk of widespread outages and support economic activities, including industrial growth and strategic infrastructure such as the planned Buloba Pump Station under Uganda’s oil and gas development programme.
UETCL and UEDCL said they will continue updating the public on the remaining works and appealed for continued cooperation from electricity consumers as Uganda invests in a more reliable national power network.
