The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) Hon.Ruth Nankabirwa has said that following the emergency shutdown of the 183 MW Isimba hydropower plant in Kayunga district the operator -Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) is working to restore power production at hydropower plant and resume generation of electricity within three (3) weeks.
In the meantime, Minister Nankabirwa said that The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is undertaking to import some- 60 megawatts of power from Kenya to allow continuity of power supply to different parts of the country .
Further , Nankabirwa stated that electricity dispatch of up to 50 megawatts of power from the Namanve Thermal Power Plant will be undertaken together with dispatch of 20 megawatts from the Kakira Sugar Power Plant.
“Optimization of the generation capacity of available power plants across the country, suspension of any planned and non-emergency shutdown/outage permits and implementation of load shedding to balance power demand and supply and ensure that grid stability is achieved and sustained,” Nankabirwa said are the other measures being undertaken to stabilize power supply.
The measures follow continued loadshedding in most of parts of Kampala as a result of the mishap at the Isimba Power Plant which occurred on Monday 8th August 2022 leading to a forced shutdown of the plant. Nankabirwa said “operational challenges” led to flow of water into the powerhouse. The shutdown was undertaken as safety procedure to ensure safety of staff and protection of the electro-mechanical equipment.
She in a statement released to the media assured the country that the sector is working to ensure the situation is normalized as soon as possible and regrated the inconveniences caused.
For further information, please contact the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Developmenton Tel: +256 414 234733 or Email: psmemd@energy.go.ug
