Business 3 September 2026 Nile Post
UEDCL Boosts Power Supply to Western Uganda Districts
Over 30,000 households and 700 businesses in Isingiro, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, and Rwampara are set to experience improved and more reliable electricity following a significant network upgrade by UEDCL. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/368813/uedcl-upgrades-power-network-in-four-western-districts
The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has initiated a critical upgrade to the power distribution network serving four districts in western Uganda: Isingiro, Ntungamo, Rukungiri, and parts of Rwampara. This project aims to enhance electricity reliability and capacity for more than 30,000 domestic consumers and approximately 700 businesses.
The upgrade centers around integrating the UETCL Mirama Hills Substation, which recently received a new 15MVA transformer from UETCL. This intervention, which began in August 2026 and is slated for completion by mid-September, involves reconfiguring the existing Kikagati-Ntungamo feeder.
Previously, this single feeder was the primary route for power evacuation from the Kikagati Hydropower Plant. The new configuration will split the feeder into two distinct lines. One line will supply power to Ntungamo, Rukungiri, and surrounding areas of Rwampara. The second line will be dedicated to Isingiro and its adjacent localities.
According to Eng. Alex Atukunda, UEDCL’s Head of Commercial Services for the Western Region, this modernization will address issues of unreliable power supply and reduce technical losses inherent in the old network. “The existing configuration is not optimal, and insufficient local load coupled with technical losses has hampered its performance,” Atukunda stated.
Beyond improving general supply quality, the upgrade is designed to bolster capacity for growing industrial demands. Notably, Terra Industrial Development Company, an iron-processing factory in Ntungamo requiring about 7MVA, will benefit significantly from the increased network capacity. The project is also expected to improve the efficiency of power evacuation from the Kikagati Hydropower Plant.
A proposed second phase, awaiting approval, will further expand the network with a new switching station in Ntungamo, additional feeders, and dedicated lines for key industrial players like Terra Industrial Development Company and Inspire Africa Coffee Park.