Ntungamo, September 4, 2026: Electricity consumers in Isingiro, Ntungamo, Rukungiri and parts of Rwampara District are set to benefit from improved power supply reliability following the commencement of works to integrate the UETCL Mirama Hills Substation into the distribution network.
The integration works commenced after UETCL installed a 15MVA power transformer at the substation.
The works involve splitting the existing Kikagati- Ntungamo feeder at Mirama Hills Substation into two sections. One section will evacuate power from the substation and supply Ntungamo, Rukungiri and part of Rwampara District while the other will feed Isingiro and the surrounding areas.
This will provide additional capacity and a more efficient route for evacuating electricity generated by the Kikagati Hydropower Plant located on the Kagera River in Isingiro District.
The intervention will benefit over 30000 domestic and 700 commercial consumers across the four districts. Among the major beneficiaries is Terra Industrial Development Company, an iron-processing factory in Ntungamo with an estimated demand of about 7MVA.
Eng. Alex Atukunda, the UEDCL head commercial services in the western region, said the integration will address current supply reliability challenges and technical losses stemming from the poor performance of the existing feeders especially the Mbarara Central-Kikagati and Kikagati- Ntungamo.
“The Kikagati- Ntungamo feeder is the current route for evacuating power from the Kikagati Hydropower Plant, but its existing configuration is not optimal. Insufficient local load and the resulting technical losses have affected its performance,” Atukunda said.
The project that commenced in August 2026, is expected to deliver immediate improvements in network performance upon completion in mid-September.
“Once completed, the project will enhance the reliability and quality of electricity supply in the region, reduce technical losses and create additional capacity to support the growing industrial activities,” Atukunda added.
The subsequent phase, still under approval stage, will include the construction of a switching station in Ntungamo, installation of additional feeders, and development of dedicated feeders serving Terra Industrial Development, Inspire Africa Coffee Park, Kikagati and the surrounding areas. It will also include the installation of capacitor banks to improve voltage levels and enhanced switching arrangements.
By Nashumbusha Joshua
