Overview:
Uganda's West Nile region leaders urged to increase electricity consumption following new 289km transmission line connection to national grid, boosting power supply to 130MW
KAMPALA, Uganda — Leaders in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region have been challenged to increase electricity consumption, following the commissioning of a new 289-kilometer transmission line connecting the region to the national grid.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the Kole-Gulu-Arua 132 kilovolt Transmission Line and associated substations on August 3, boosting the region’s power supply to 130MW.
However, records show only 31,063 connections to electricity in the sub-region, with peak consumption standing at 7MW during the day and dropping to 2.5MW at night.
“Leaders must ensure electricity consumption exceeds 7MW,” said Eng. Kenneth Kigumba, General Manager of West Nile Electricity Company (WENRECo).
Caesar Draecebo, President of the Arua City Development Forum, emphasized the need to change the narrative about power in the sub-region to attract investors. “The nighttime consumption drop indicates limited commercial activity,” he noted.
Lillian Ayot, WENRECo’s Public Relations Officer, appealed to the public to apply for connections and start businesses to utilize excess electricity, citing an ongoing free connection project.
Jimmy Awuzu, Chairperson of the Hotel Owners Association in Arua, urged leaders to empower consumers to establish cottage industries and absorb excess power. “If we don’t utilize this power, it will be useless and uneconomical,” Awuzu said.
Residents, including Natalia Dratelu, called on authorities to connect institutions like schools, health centers, and rural areas using the excess electricity.
The West Nile sub-region comprises districts like Nebbi, Moyo, and Yumbe. With the new transmission line in place, leaders are now tasked with promoting economic growth and development through effective electricity utilization.