The Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company (UECCC) has launched the ORIO Mini Hydropower Project, a major initiative aimed at boosting rural electrification in Uganda.
The €13.1 million project, funded by the Netherlands Government’s ORIO Infrastructure fund, with co-financing from the Ugandan government, will see the construction of nine mini hydropower plants across seven districts.
According to UECCC Managing Director Roy Nyamutale Baguma, the project is designed to provide electricity to over 71,000 households and 2,300 small businesses in rural Uganda.
“The ORIO Mini Hydropower Project is a significant step towards achieving our goal of increasing access to electricity in rural Uganda,” Mr Baguma said. “We believe that this project will have a major impact on the socio-economic development of the region, improving livelihoods and supporting local businesses.”
The project sites were selected based on their social impact, rather than commercial viability, and are designed to support the Ugandan government’s policies on rural electrification.
Work on the project is already underway, with all affected communities having been compensated and resettled. The project is expected to be completed within the next two years.
The UECCC has partnered with various stakeholders, including local communities, to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
“We look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that this project is completed on time and within budget,” Mr Baguma added.
