The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has commenced the refurbishment of the Nkenda–Ishaka distribution line to improve power supply reliability across Kasese, Rubirizi and Bushenyi Districts.
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The UGX 16 billion project involves the upgrade of two 33kV distribution feeders; Nkenda–Kasese and Nkenda–Ishaka which have experienced frequent power outages since 2022, affecting electricity consumers across the three districts.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Kasese District, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, commended UEDCL for investing in critical electricity infrastructure and pledged the district’s support in safeguarding the network against vandalism.
“This intervention is timely and we are positive that it will greatly improve electricity reliability for our communities and support economic activities in the region. I pledge to work with UEDCL to ensure that this critical infrastructure is protected from vandalism,” he said.
He urged the public to join the fight against the vandalism vice “so that everyone can benefit from reliable electricity.”
Johnson Okochi, the project manager, said Nkenda-Ishaka was identified amongst the worst-performing distribution lines in 2022, recording more than 500 hours of outages annually.
He attributed this to bush burning activities, particularly within the Queen Elizabeth National Park, which have caused premature deterioration of wooden pole structures. He added that the commissioning of the Kyambura, Lubilia, and Nyamagasani I & II small hydropower plants, with a combined installed capacity of 34 MW, further strained the network due to the limited capacity of the existing conductors.
“To improve the reliability of both Nkenda –Kasese and Nkenda Ishaka feeders, we will replace deteriorated wooden pole infrastructure and reinforce critical sections of the network to accommodate the growing electricity generation from Independent Power Producers,” Okochi said.
He explained that as part of the project, UEDCL will upgrade the capacity of more than 100 kilometers of conductor, replace over 1000 wooden poles with concrete ones, install auto-reclosers and motorized air-break switches.
He said this would improve network reliability, increase power evacuation capacity, reduce technical losses, and enhance the quality of electricity supply.
“Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce power outages and unplanned power failures on both the Nkenda–Ishaka and Nkenda–Kasese 33kV feeders. The upgraded network will also enable the efficient evacuation of electricity generated by hydropower plants within the Rwenzori region,” Okochi observed.
UEDCL’s Territory Manager, Rwenzori Region, Marion Ninsiima, said customers in the affected districts should expect more stable and reliable electricity services once the project is completed.
“The upgraded infrastructure will improve switching operations and stability of the network. Our customers should expect fewer interruptions, improved voltage stability and more reliable power supply,” she said.
Ninsiima, however, advised customers that planned outages will be necessary during the project implementation period.
She explained that customers may experience temporary power supply interruptions on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays over the next 8 months.
“Unfortunately, during the repair period, there may be 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,” Ninsiima said.
The Nkenda- Ishaka capacity and reliability improvement project forms part of UEDCL’s intensified efforts to invest in critical distribution infrastructure in order to improve the quality and reliability of power supply across its footprint.
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) was formed in 2001 pursuant to the Electricity Act, 1999 (as amended 2022), following the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB). UEDCL’s mandate is to own all the electricity distributions network below 33kV across the country. In addition, UEDCL received a license for sale and distribution of electricity in Uganda on 31 December 2024.
