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Optimism as 600MW Karuma Dam is commissioned

Peter 3rd Oct, 2024 Energy Pedson Mumbere
Optimism as 600MW Karuma Dam is commissioned

President Museveni (with hat) looks at the new dam during the commissioning. PPU PHOTO


The long-awaited 600MW Karuma Hydropower Dam has finally come online, raising hopes for a more industrialised and prosperous economy.

The September 26 commissioning, presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, marks a pivotal moment in Uganda's energy landscape, with far-reaching implications for local communities and business growth.

Located in Karuma Town Council, Kiryandongo District, the hydropower plant is supported by an extensive transmission network that includes a 284-kilometer line to Kawanda in Kampala, a 55-kilometer line to Olwiyo in Nwoya, and a 75-kilometer line to Lira City.

  • This infrastructure is designed to efficiently distribute an estimated 1,200 GWh annually, thus enhancing access to reliable power for millions of businesses and households.

Over the decades, Uganda has faced challenges with electricity access, with just 40% of the population currently having access to electricity, compared to Kenya’s 70% and Tanzania’s 60%.

Indeed, Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, described Karuma’s coming online as “a major milestone” in Uganda’s energy strategy, which she said would significantly enhance the country’s power generation capacity and support sustainable development.

  • Following the construction of smaller dams in various parts of Uganda, Uganda’s total electricity generation capacity now stands at 2,045.5 MW, while the demand for electricity has surged from just 257 MW in 2004 to nearly 1,000 MW today, reflecting a growing economy eager for more energy.

Karuma now joins the newer dams including the 250MW Bujagali, the 183MW Isimba Hydropower Station, Nyagak (3.5MW), Bugoye (13 MW), Kikagati (14MW), among others.

Permanent Secretary Irene Bateebe said with Uganda's ambitious energy goals, including achieving universal access to electricity by 2030 and generating 52,000 MW by 2040, projects such as Karuma are critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 - ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Indeed, Karuma Dam stands as a testament to Uganda's commitment to the energy transition agenda, with the potential to empower local communities and spur business innovation.

As President Museveni remarked, the Karuma Hydropower Project is the latest and most ambitious step in Uganda's ongoing energy evolution. With the promise of enhanced energy access, local communities are poised to experience significant business growth, paving the way for a prosperous future for all.

  • Development planners and policy implementors are keen on raising access to electricity as it can bring a wide range of economic benefits, which include increased industrial productivity, job creation, enhanced social services such as health and education, opportunities, boosting entrepreneurship, among many others.
  • However, if or not the new dam would lead to a reduction in the price of electricity for citizens and investors is what remains to be seen.

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