By Diana Kintu.
In a major step towards improving electricity access, the Ugandan government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), has officially launched the Nyagak III Hydropower Plant. Located in Alindi Village, Zombo District, this new 6.6-megawatt (MW) power station is set to transform the West Nile sub-region by providing reliable and affordable electricity.
The Nyagak III project joins the existing Nyagak I plant, bringing the total power generation capacity in the West Nile to 9.9 MW. This increase is expected to support industrialisation, create jobs, and improve living standards for residents. The project is also a key part of the government’s plan to expand the national grid and ensure stable power supply across the country.
During the official opening of the plant, the Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa highlighted the importance of the project in addressing long-standing electricity challenges in the region.
“For many years, the West Nile has struggled with poor power quality and insufficient supply. “Nyagak III offers one of the lowest electricity tariffs in Uganda, making it easier for businesses and households to access power,” she said.
Thanks to government funding, the plant will supply electricity at just 5 US cents (about Shs 185) per unit, compared to other projects with little or no government support, which charge up to 10 US cents (about Shs 360). This lower cost is expected to benefit small businesses, farmers, and families in the region.
The Nyagak III project was built at a cost of Shs 71.2 billion, with funding from the Ugandan government and Afrexim Bank. However, the construction faced delays due to financial difficulties. Originally planned for completion in five years, the project took longer after an international partner withdrew, forcing the government to step in and provide additional funding.
Despite these challenges, the plant is now operational and will be managed by UEGCL for the next 20 years before full ownership is transferred back to the government.
The Nyagak III project is a significant achievement for the West Nile, a region that has long struggled with electricity shortages. With Nyagak already being supplied with power for over 15 years, the addition of Nyagak III will help meet growing demand and attract investment to the area.
The project was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Ministry of Energy, UEGCL, and private companies (Hydromax Ltd and Dott Services Ltd). This collaboration ensured that the plant was completed, even though initial feasibility studies had doubted its viability.
The launch of Nyagak III is not just a win for West Nile but for the entire country. By increasing power generation and reducing costs, the government is making electricity more accessible, which will help drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for many Ugandans.
As more regions gain access to reliable energy, Uganda moves closer to its goal of universal electricity coverage, ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s development journey.