Uganda to buy electricity from Kenya due to Isimba dam damage

The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) is considering to import about 60 megawatts of power from Kenya due to an emergency shutdown of the 183 megawatts Isimba Hydropower Plant in Kayunga District.

The dam has been inoperative for the last seven days following the flooding of the powerhouse which affected generators and turbines. According to a statement by Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, there were operational challenges that led to the flow of water into the powerhouse. The cost of the damage is yet to be established but is estimated at billions of shillings.

Uganda’s current electricity generation capacity stands at about 1,250Megawatts but consumption stands at slightly above 650 megawatts during peak hours, creating a surplus of half of what is generated.

The amount of electricity produced in Uganda is expected to increase to over  2,000MW by end of 2022 with the addition of  Karuma dam which produces 600MW, Kikagati (16MW) and  Nyamagasani I (15MW) as well as other small hydro power plants .

Therefore, the amount of unused power is expected to increase due to low growth in demand. To this, Uganda exports a certain percentage of its electricity to neighbouring Kenya and part of Tanzania, DR Congo and South Sudan.