The Kigezi Sub-Region, particularly the greater Kabale districts, has faced frequent power outages over the years. These outages had escalated to the point where residents in Kabale District threatened to stage protests over the unreliable electricity supply.
Local residents, businesspeople, and various institutions have suffered significant losses due to the inconsistent power supply in the region.
However, there is good news: the 132/33 KV Kabale Substation, which has been under construction to address these challenges, is now 99% complete. Only 1 km of the 88.5 km Mirama–Kabale transmission line remains to be finalized.
This update was revealed today by Eng. Kisira Daniel, the Head of Projects Implementation at the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), during an evaluation and monitoring tour led by the Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot, at the substation located in Karukara, Rubanda District. The transmission line is being constructed by CCC International Engineering Nigeria Limited, while the power station is being handled by Ceylex Engineering (Pvt).
Eng. Kisira stated that the Government of Uganda, through a loan of USD 83 million from the Islamic Development Bank, funded the construction of the 88.5 km transmission line from Mirama to the Kabale Power Substation. He added that the project also includes a rural electrification component to supply power to local communities. He confirmed that the station is set to be commissioned on 14th December.
“This project will not only stabilize power supply in Kabale and Kisoro districts but also enhance economic opportunities for the region,” Eng. Kisira remarked.
In an interview, Hon. Sidronius Okaasai Opolot explained that his tour aimed to inspect the progress of the transmission line from Mirama Hills, monitor the completion of the Kabale Power Substation, and assess the energization and distribution process.
He assured the public that Kabale and Kisoro districts would enjoy a stable power supply once the substation is operational. However, he acknowledged that while power outages would significantly reduce, they might not be entirely eliminated due to aging infrastructure in some areas.
“Our goal is to ensure a stable power supply for households, businesses, and industries. While this station will solve most power issues, complete reliability will require further upgrades to the existing infrastructure,” Minister Okaasai said.
Minister Okaasai emphasized that the power station is not just for lighting but also for fostering economic development. He encouraged investors to initiate the establishment of a steel rolling factory in Rubanda, citing the presence of iron ore in the region as a potential resource. Additionally, he noted that the substation would support industrial parks in Kabale and Kisoro, helping to drive economic growth in the area.
“This station is not just for lighting homes; it is a catalyst for industrial and economic development. I encourage stakeholders to take advantage of this improved infrastructure,” he added.
The completion of the Kabale Substation is expected to resolve many of the power challenges that have long plagued the Kigezi Sub-Region.
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