Umeme has this year invested over Shs18.5 trillion (US$500m) in the distribution network and the restoration and expansion of the grid line for effective, reliable and efficient power supply in the country.
By June 2017, a total of Shs3.6 billion ($99m) was invested in distribution network and execution of various projects which include the construction of the 40 MVA Moniko substation in Lugazi and Mbalala; the Namugongo integration lines; Get Fit mini hydro project integration lines; upgrade of Lugogo to Kibuli lines and the refurbishment of lines in Kabale, Mukono and Pallisa. Others are the upgrading Namanve Industrial Park, converting Government of Uganda accounts to prepaid metering and upgrade of power transformers.
According to Umeme Managing Director Celestino Babungi, the sector is financially sustainable with minimal subsidies from government, a development which has led to effective generation capacity rising from 650MW to 150MV and, improving distribution efficiencies from 50 per cent to 82 per cent.
Mr. Babungi further noted that Umeme’s investment of over Shs18.5trillion ($500m) as private capital has attracted more customers.
According to a relase, Umeme’s investment in infrastructure is complimenting government fiscal resources in building national infrastructure as evidenced by improved system and network reliability; improved safety, reduction in energy losses and increased customer connections.
Other areas covered include the deployment of technological innovations such as Yaka, Automated Meter Reading technology and the UmemeApp.
Since its inception in 2005, the power distribution company has been focusing on restoration and expansion of the grid, reduction in energy losses, improvements in efficiencies, rollout of prepaid metering, connections of new customers to the grid, ‘contributing to Uganda’s economic development and social services in terms of health, education and household incomes’, the release states in part.
