In preparation for integrating the West Nile sub-region into the national power grid, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has activated the Nebbi sub-station. “Today, UETCL energized the Nebbi substation in preparation for the commissioning of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission project which will connect West Nile to the grid,” UETCL announced on Monday night.
This development is anticipated to alleviate the region’s long-standing issues with inconsistent power supply. Since the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) in 2003, the West Nile sub-region has remained disconnected from the national grid. The region includes districts such as Adjumani, Arua City, Arua District, Koboko, Maracha, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Pakwach, Terego, Yumbe, and Zombo.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa inspected the project ahead of its official launch by President Museveni. After the UEB’s unbundling, the Ugandan government awarded a 20-year concession to the West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo) to generate, distribute, and sell electricity in the region. Later, Electromaxx was introduced to enhance power generation. Electromaxx operates the Euata thermal plant in Vurra Constituency, Arua District, with an 8.3 megawatt capacity.
Electromaxx began operations in West Nile in 2019, supplementing the Nyagak 1 hydropower plant established by WENRECo in 2006 with a 3.5 megawatt capacity. Despite these efforts, the region has continued to face erratic power supply, prompting regional leaders and MPs to push for the connection to the national grid. Reports indicate that the connection of West Nile to the national grid will occur this August following the completion of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua Transmission line.
UETCL’s CEO, Joshua Karamagi, announced that the Gulu-Olwiyo 132kV line, part of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua (KNGA) project extending the transmission grid to West Nile, was successfully energized on Saturday, July 27, 2024.
The Ministry of Energy, through UETCL, remains committed to the Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III by completing various power transmission projects to ensure nationwide access to the national grid.
