KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda’s electricity generation capacity has reached 2,052 megawatts following the completion of the 600-megawatt Karuma Hydropower Plant, the energy minister said Thursday.
Ruth Nankabirwa, minister of energy and mineral development, told reporters that the Chinese-built plant marks a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to secure affordable electricity and drive economic growth.
The Karuma plant, financed by the Export-Import Bank of China, was commissioned by President Yoweri Museveni in September last year. It is the second hydropower project funded by China in Uganda, after the 183-megawatt Isimba Hydropower Plant, which was commissioned in 2019.
Nankabirwa said the government plans to develop large hydropower projects, as well as geothermal and nuclear energy, to further expand generation capacity in the medium and long term.
“The completion of the Karuma Hydropower Plant is a significant step towards achieving our goal of increasing electricity generation capacity,” Nankabirwa said. “We are committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to support economic growth and improve the lives of our citizens.”
The minister also reported that over 2.17 million people have been connected to the national grid, advancing the government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
“Rural electrification has improved access, providing reliable electricity that supports economic activities and raises living standards,” Nankabirwa said.
Uganda’s energy sector has seen significant investment in recent years, with the government aiming to increase electricity generation capacity to 5,000 megawatts by 2030.
The Karuma Hydropower Plant is expected to play a key role in achieving this goal, providing clean and renewable energy to support Uganda’s economic development.
