Overview:
The West Nile region, comprising 13 districts, has been without a stable power supply since the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) in 2003.
The West Nile sub-region has been connected to the national power grid, ending decades of erratic power supply. The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) successfully energized the Nebbi sub-station on Saturday, July 27, 2024, paving the way for the region’s integration into the national grid.
“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 marks a significant achievement for the government’s efforts to expand access to electricity across the country. The West Nile region, comprising 13 districts, has been without a stable power supply since the unbundling of the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) in 2003.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa expressed her excitement ahead of President Museveni’s launch, signaling the government’s commitment to achieving nationwide access to the national grid. “We are committed to implementing the Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III through the completion of various power transmission projects,” she said.
UETCL boss, Joshua Karamagi, confirmed the successful energization of the Gulu – Olwiyo 132kV line portion of the Kole – Gulu – Nebbi – Arua (KNGA) project, extending the transmission grid to West Nile. “The connection of the West Nile sub-region to the National Grid will occur this August, following the successful completion of the construction of the Kole- Gulu- Nebbi- Arua Transmission line,” he added.
This achievement is a testament to the government’s efforts to address the region’s energy challenges and promote economic development in West Nile. The connection to the national grid is expected to spur growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance the overall quality of life for the region’s inhabitants.