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Uganda has commissioned the Karuma Hydropower Station with the expectation that it will fill electricity power gaps and lower electricity costs. 

Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nakabirwa pointed out that the commissioning of Karuma is advantageous to Uganda’s power generation capacity since the additional power supply will go a long way in reducing electricity costs.  

Officials say Karuma should play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s energy future. 

“This energy transition plan means we’ll optimize and use all our renewable energy resources. With Karuma on the national grid, we will see our clean energy electricity increase to 93 percent of our energy mix,” Irene Batebe, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, said.

The Karuma Hydropower Station is strategically located on the Kyoga Nile, approximately 270 km from the capital city, Kampala, and 75 km from Gulu in the north. This enables it to tap into the river’s potential to generate clean, renewable energy, according to the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited. 

Its dam site sits upstream of both Lake Kyoga and Lake Victoria, while the tailrace outfall is situated within Murchison National Park. The UEGCL further informs, saying the station’s proximity to key transportation routes, such as the Masindi-Gulu highway, and its location within Murchison National Park, ensure that it is not only accessible but also positioned to have a far-reaching impact on both the local economy and the national energy grid. 

The completion of Karuma Hydropower Station is a result of collaboration between Chinese enterprises and the Ugandan government. It is, officials say, expected to usher in a new era of affordable, clean energy in Uganda.