President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned the Mirama-Kabale high-voltage power line and its substation in Hamuko village, Rubanda district, emphasizing the need for wetland conservation to sustain hydropower generation.
The power project, financed by an $83.75 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank, aims to boost industrialization, create jobs, and improve electricity supply in southwestern Uganda. It covers Ntungamo, Rukiga, Kabale, and Rubanda districts.
Speaking at the commissioning, President Museveni reminded the public of their role in preserving wetlands, which are vital for sustaining the water sources that feed Uganda’s hydroelectric dams.
“The commissioned high-voltage power substation is aimed at boosting industrialization and job creation in this area. People must be reminded that while they celebrate the commissioning of this electricity, they have a role to play in conserving the wetlands because the water used in generating this electricity at Jinja originates from the wetlands where small rivers get the water they pour to River Nile through other rivers like Kagera,” Museveni said.
The project falls under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, which confirmed that most project-affected persons (PAPs) had been compensated, with 2,467 out of 2,529 individuals receiving payments.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu hailed local leaders and communities for their support and underscored the project’s impact on rural electrification and economic growth.
“Today, we are witnessing the commissioning of a transformative project that will significantly enhance power stability in southwestern Uganda, particularly in the Kigezi sub-region. This project will, in addition to delivering electricity, create opportunities for industrial growth, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the nation’s overall economic development,” she said.
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) CEO Joshua Karamagi credited the project's success to collaboration among the Ugandan government, the Islamic Development Bank, local leaders, and international engineering firms, including Colenco Consulting Ltd. (Nigeria), CCC-GTSCC Consortium (Nigeria), and Ceylex Engineering PVT Ltd. (Sri Lanka).
Rubanda District LCV Chairman Stephen Kasyaba thanked the government for extending electricity to the region and encouraged residents to use the power to establish industries that would drive development.
The commissioning is part of President Museveni’s performance assessment tour on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation in the Kigezi sub-region.