Overview:
UETCL Board Chairperson Kwame Ejalu said the project would strengthen bulk electricity supply to eastern Uganda and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, while supporting industrialisation, job creation and regional electricity trade.
The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s electricity transmission network following the groundbreaking of the €342.6 million Karuma–Tororo 400kV transmission line project.
UETCL Board Chairperson Kwame Ejalu said the project would strengthen bulk electricity supply to eastern Uganda and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, while supporting industrialisation, job creation and regional electricity trade.
The project will involve the construction of approximately 347 kilometres of 400kV transmission line across 15 districts, alongside associated substations and other infrastructure.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr Ejalu said investments in electricity generation must be matched by adequate transmission infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure power supply to households, businesses and industries.
He cited the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant, saying the country needed sufficient transmission capacity to deliver generated electricity efficiently to consumers.
“Ultimately, its success is not merely about the kilometres of transmission line or substations, but the reliability, economic opportunity and regional connectivity it delivers for generations to come,” he said.
Mr Ejalu said the project aligns with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, Vision 2040, the Energy Policy 2023 and UETCL’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2025–2030.
He commended the government, the Swedish government and Standard Chartered Bank for supporting the project, describing their collaboration as an example of how international partnerships and innovative financing can advance national development priorities.
He urged contractors, consultants, government agencies and other stakeholders to uphold high standards of accountability, safety and workmanship, while ensuring value for money and timely completion.
Mr Ejalu also emphasised the need for fair and transparent compensation and resettlement for people affected by the project, calling on stakeholders to treat them with dignity and respect.
He further urged communities along the transmission route to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism, warning that damage to power installations disrupts supply and diverts resources that could otherwise be used to expand and improve the network.
“Electricity infrastructure is a shared responsibility,” he said, urging the public to report suspicious activities.