Uganda’s power utility company Umeme Limited is in the final stages of constructing a 40 MVA substation in the Namugongo township
The new facility will help reduce losses during the distribution of power and also provide stable power around Namanve, Kireka, Namugongo and Kyaliwajjala areas.
Project officials revealed that US$5mn was spent on constructing the power plant, while US$2mn was spent on feeder lines. Power from Bujagali will be transmitted to this substation, from where it will be supplied to consumers.
Uganda has been grappling with power cuts for a long time. The government has plans to increase power generation by an additional 2,500MW by 2018 in a bid to meet the rising demand, said the UETCL website.
Umeme Limited has planned to construct more substations that could reduce load shedding and power losses. While the Karuma and Isimba hydro projects are able to generate power, Umeme officials believe that adequate infrastructure like substations and transmission lines have to be installed to ensure seamless power supply. In line with the aim of boosting power infrastructure, ABB Uganda Limited and Babcon Uganda Ltd signed an agreement earlier this year to build a 40 MVA substation in the Kira Town council.
