Uganda to get transmission network upgrade

11 November 2009

A $100 million (£60.1 million) transmission network upgrade in Uganda is expected to lower electricity costs and prepare the power supply system for increased energy generation in the future.

Various sub-stations and transmission lines are tipped to be rehabilitated by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited.

Managing Director of the organisation Eriasi Kiyemba was quoted by New Vision as saying at a recent meeting with the World Bank Africa Energy Team this project would contribute to the further development of the country.

"We need to have power trade in the region and this needs to finance the energy infrastructure that will deliver power supply at low cost," he said.

The financing agency was recently in Uganda supervising other projects funded by the body.

Plans include $90 million for rural electrification, $300 million for power sector development and $860 million for a hydropower station in Bujagali.

An editorial in the Ugandan Independent by the former minster for power, post and telecommunications recently asserted the latter sector was key to the country's future.

Akena P'Ojok suggested that had the country exploited this potential sooner, it could have "fundamentally changed the political and economic map of Uganda".

Category: Energy