In a significant milestone for Uganda’s energy sector, the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa, commissioned the 6.6MW Nyagak III hydropower plant, bringing much-needed relief to the West Nile region, which has struggled with frequent power cuts for years, stifling economic growth and development. But with the launch of this $20 million project, the future looks brighter. Located on the Nyagak River in Zombo District, the plant is expected to boost energy supply, drive industrial growth, and improve livelihoods in the region, Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, said, highlighting the project’s potential to contribute to socio-economic development in the West Nile sub-region.
The plant’s impact extends beyond just energy supply, as the region is rich in mineral deposits, including gold, limestone, and iron ore. With increased power supply, new opportunities for value addition and economic growth are expected to emerge. Minister of State for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, echoed this optimism, emphasizing the potential for the region’s mineral wealth to be harnessed more effectively. The power generated here will be transmitted to the Nebbi substation and distributed nationwide.
The $20 million project features two 3.3 MW Horizontal Francis turbines. According to UEGCL project manager Eng. Nicholas Agaba Rugaba, the project faced initial setbacks when an international financier withdrew. However, funding was later secured through a $10 million loan from Afrexim Bank and private contributions, overcoming delays such as land disputes and floods in 2022. After a decade of development, the station is now ready to transmit power to the national grid, Eng. Agaba said.
The Nyagak III project is a shining example of successful public-private partnership (PPP) collaboration, developed and implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called GENMAX Nyagak Ltd. This partnership brings together the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UEGCL) and private partners Hydromax Ltd and Dott Services, with UEGCL holding 30% shares. This collaboration demonstrates the power of partnership in driving development, showcasing the potential for collective effort to achieve significant milestones.
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