Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) was incorporated in 2001 with the primary objective of taking over the generation activities of the now-defunct Uganda Electricity Board (UEB). This transfer included the assets, liabilities, and properties associated with UEB’s generation operations, in accordance with the Public Enterprise Reform and Divestiture Act. The transferred assets primarily consisted of the 180 MW Nalubaale and 200 MW Kira Hydropower Stations located in Jinja.
UEGCL’s mandate is to establish, acquire, maintain, and operate electricity generation facilities, while promoting research and development in the sector. The company aims to run its operations on sound business principles, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in electricity generation.
UEGCL provides a range of services, including the operation and maintenance of hydropower systems, capacity building and training, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and conducting feasibility and design studies for new projects. The company also manages institutional development, reengineering efforts, and oversees professional services.
The company is involved in several major projects, such as the Muzizi and Nyagak III Hydropower Projects, aimed at expanding Uganda’s electricity generation capacity. UEGCL also operates several power stations, including Nalubaale, Kiira, Karuma, and Isimba Hydropower Stations, as well as Namanve Thermal Power Station.
UEGCL has set ambitious goals in its 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, which include increasing installed generation capacity from 913 MW to 1317 MW by 2028. The plan also aims to raise the company’s market share of energy sold from 49% to 67% and boost annual revenue from non-core activities from UGX 14 billion to UGX 20 billion.
Despite its growth, UEGCL faces challenges such as quality control issues related to health and safety, non-conformity to construction standards, inaccurate concrete mixtures, and theft on project sites.