A new dawn for West Nile as govt commissions Arua transmission

By Bridget Nsimenta

Vice-President Jessica Alupo has commissioned the Arua Transmission Substation, marking a significant milestone in West Nile sub-region's power infrastructure development.

The ceremony, attended by government officials, energy sector stakeholders, and local community leaders, signals a transformative step towards enhanced electricity access and reliability in West Nile.

The new substation will connect West Nile to Uganda's national grid for the first time, a move expected to stabilise and significantly improve electricity supply in the region.

The transmission line will channel power from major hydropower plants, including Karuma, Agago/Achwa, Nyagak I, and Nyagak III.

This connection is crucial for meeting the growing electricity demands of the region, which has long struggled with inconsistent power supply.

Ms Ruth Nankabirwa, the minister of energy and mineral development, had earlier posted on her X account: " Previously, the West Nile region experienced poor quality power supply and frequent outages because the available supply could not meet the demand."

This substation not only guarantees a stable power supply but also opens up new opportunities for economic growth.

Reliable electricity is a cornerstone for attracting investors and establishing industries, which will, in turn, create jobs and improve the living standards of our people.

The Arua Transmission Substation is expected to significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of West Nile by providing the necessary infrastructure to support industrial and commercial activities.

With improved power supply, local businesses can operate more efficiently, healthcare facilities can provide better services, and educational institutions can enhance their learning environments.

"The commissioning of the 102 KV/33 KV Arua substation reinforces electricity supply to the West Nile region, stimulating economic growth, improving livelihoods, and fostering industrial development," VP Alupo said.

As the region celebrates this milestone, the government reiterates its commitment to expanding the national grid and ensuring that all Ugandans have access to reliable and affordable electricity.

The commissioning of the Arua Transmission Substation is a pivotal step towards achieving these goals and marks the beginning of a new era for the West Nile region.