Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has commissioned electricity projects worth over Shs240 million in Butebo District, Uganda. The projects, implemented by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), aim to improve power access and reliability for households, public institutions, and businesses. The commissioning ceremony took place in Petete Sub-county during a thanksgiving event for Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero.
One of the projects involved extending the electricity distribution network to Petete Primary School, which had been fully wired internally but lacked a connection to the national grid. The extension also connected Petete Church, nearby households, and Petete Town Council offices. A new transformer was installed to improve electricity supply in the area, enhancing the overall power infrastructure.
Another project involved installing a 100kVA transformer at a mini-industrial park under construction in Kabarekere Village. The industrial park previously relied on a 25kVA single-phase transformer located 600 metres away, which was insufficient to meet its projected electricity demand of 48kW. The new transformer will provide the necessary capacity to support growing commercial activity and agro-processing in the area.
According to UEDCL Managing Director Eng. Joselynne Rwabwogo, the new installation will support industrial and agro-processing activities in the area. The increased electricity capacity will enable the industrial park to operate efficiently and effectively, contributing to the local economy.
Prime Minister Nabbanja emphasized the importance of reliable electricity in transforming communities economically. She stated that access to reliable electricity is crucial for improving education, supporting agro-processing, and creating job opportunities. Nabbanja commended UEDCL for extending electricity to Petete Primary School and supporting the development of the industrial park.
Nabbanja also urged residents to utilize the improved electricity access to transition from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming, value addition, and other income-generating activities. She encouraged investment in businesses and agro-processing enterprises that can create jobs and increase the value of agricultural produce.
Eng. Rwabwogo noted that the projects in Butebo are part of UEDCL's broader efforts to address electricity reliability challenges and respond to growing demand. The company is conducting stakeholder engagements to identify service gaps, assess local electricity needs, and obtain feedback from local communities, ensuring that their efforts align with the needs of the areas they serve.
Key points
- The projects were implemented by the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to improve power access and reliability in Butebo District.
- A new 100kVA transformer was installed at a mini-industrial park to support growing commercial activity and agro-processing in the area.
- Prime Minister Nabbanja emphasized the importance of reliable electricity in transforming communities economically, particularly in education, agro-processing, and job creation.
