UMEME’s renewed capital projects investments set to drive industrialization revealed
Drake Nyamugabwa
Over 21 heavy capital projects aimed at improved powering and empowering of the community in the new strategic plan have renewed their commitment to invest to boost industrialization.
The company says it is prioritizing such projects across Uganda to catalyze economic growth. “We are injecting in $3 million (Shs11 billion) to address the power supply challenges of the line to solve power supply challenges” Selestino Babungi, the managing director,
Kamuli RDC Rose Birungi said just like security, electricity is a prerequisite for development. She said that much as there could be a few inconveniences during the implementation of the project, they are certain the service would improve once the work is completed.
The Board Chairman Patrick Bitature during a meeting of shareholders recently explained that Umeme’s strategy is aligned with the Government’s electrification agenda outlined in NDP 3, which focused on access to clean energy, affordability, and reliable supply for industry.
“Affordable Electricity tariffs for the industry remains a critical input to attract industrial investment in Uganda. We recognized, the current prices reflect the cost structures for electricity generations, transmission and distribution spread over the consumption base. Umeme remains committed to playing its part in the equation through driving distribution efficiencies, increasing consumption and system investments to evacuate the increased generation capacity. We are completely aligned with the people of Uganda and the government in driving the country’s electrification agenda. It is in our interest that we have a sustainable electricity supply industry,” he said
Bitature said even with the difficult circumstances, Umeme has transformed for the better and for the people. “We continue investing in digital and ICT solutions for the ease of doing business and delivery of services to our customers,” he added
Among the capital projects being undertaken by UMEME includes: Tooro-Mabale, Kinyara-Hoima interconnection lines, Gulu Power station, Kakiri power station, Fortortal, Kapeeka service stations, Transformer upgrade projects, Network automation projects among others
The Geospatial Network Information System (GNIS) project through which Umeme seeks to consolidate power distribution asset data and performance to the level of the meter supply point is progressing well. The Utility’s technicians are currently in the field gathering data.
“We are overlaying our customers and network to GNIS. Our vision for GNIS is like Uber…” Selestino Babungi, Umeme’s Managing Director, said on Friday 22 July during an engagement with Lugazi-based staff.
According to UMEME, Once GNIS is up and running, it will improve Umeme’s efficiency with regard to outage management. The utility technicians will be in far better position to swiftly respond to outages since the customers’ geo-location will be known to the company.
