The Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project has reached 90.57% completion, with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) saying the remaining works will require planned power outages before the project is fully commissioned.
The progress update was announced on Thursday after UETCL Chief Executive Officer Eng. Richard Matsiko and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne R. Rwabwogo inspected the ongoing works.
According to UETCL, the Maya (Buloba) 220/132/33kV Substation has been fully completed, while work continues on the re-conductoring of critical 132kV transmission lines and upgrades to existing substations.
The project, valued at JPY 13 billion (approximately USD 83.3 million), is financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a concessional loan to the Government of Uganda and is being implemented by UETCL.
Speaking during the inspection, Eng. Matsiko apologised to businesses and residents affected by the planned power interruptions, saying the outages are essential to safely complete the remaining works.
“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 added that the project is now in its final stages and that the contractor is working to complete the outstanding works as quickly and safely as possible.
According to UETCL, the Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda's largest electricity consumer, is experiencing electricity demand growth of approximately 15 per cent annually, with the existing transmission infrastructure operating close to its design capacity.
The project includes the construction of new substations at Maya (Buloba) and Mukono, upgrades to substations at Kawaala, Mutundwe and Bujagali, installation of new transmission lines, re-conducting of existing 132kV lines, and deployment of a mobile substation at Namungoona to improve network reliability.
UEDCL Acting Managing Director Eng. Joselynne R. Rwabwogo said the investment will deliver lasting improvements in electricity supply once completed.
“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.
Rwabwogo appealed to customers to remain patient during the planned outages, noting that the strengthened transmission network will also support UEDCL's target of connecting 300,000 new electricity customers each year.
Once commissioned, the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Transmission System Improvement Project is expected to significantly increase transmission capacity, reduce the risk of widespread blackouts, strengthen the resilience of Uganda's national electricity grid and support industrial expansion.
The upgraded network will also provide critical infrastructure for major national projects, including the planned Buloba Pump Station under Uganda's oil and gas development programme, while enhancing the reliability of power supply across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.
