Uganda and Netherlands Partner to Electrify Rural Areas with €13.1 Million Grant
Mitooma, Uganda – The Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) has secured a €13.1 million grant from the Netherlands’ ORIO Infrastructure Fund through Invest International.
The funding will support the development of nine mini hydro power sites, a 288 km distribution network, and over 71,081 last-mile connections.
The project, generously funded by the Government of the Netherlands in partnership with the Government of Uganda, aims to provide reliable electricity to over 376,000 people and 1,300 SMEs.
The project is designed to support rural electrification in hard-to-reach areas like Mitooma, Bushenyi, Kasese, Hoima, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, and Bundibugyo.
At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Orio Mini Hydro Power project in Mitooma District, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, thanked the Government of the Netherlands for believing in Uganda’s vision for development.
The Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, and other officials for their support.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, emphasized the importance of understanding electricity generation and the challenges involved.
She praised the progress made in the Mitooma area, which has seen significant strides in electrification despite being previously underdeveloped.
Deputy Ambassador/Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, Joost Van Ettro, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to Uganda’s renewable energy sector.
He noted that the Netherlands has invested UGX 650B in Uganda’s energy sector, supporting large hydro plants, mini-grids, and off-grid solar solutions.
Roy Nyamutale Baguma, Managing Director of UECCC, highlighted that the project will support rural electrification in hard-to-reach areas.
The Managing Director added that Phase 1 of the project will include four sites: Nchwera, Igassa, Nsongya, and Hoimo.
“Phase 1 of the project will include four sites: Nchwera, Igassa, Nsongya, and Hoimo. The construction will be carried out by HNAC Technology Co. Ltd from China for civil and hydro-mechanical works, and Ossberger GmbH from Germany for the design and installation of turbines and electro-mechanical works,” said Nyamutale Baguma.
Eng. Robert Wanghusi praised the project, saying it marks an important step towards providing clean, reliable electricity to rural communities, creating jobs, and supporting local economies.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on Uganda’s energy sector, providing reliable electricity to thousands of people and businesses.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by State Ministers Hon. Okasai Opolot and Phiona Nyamutoro, members of parliament led by Chair natural resources committee Herbert Ariko, as well as Permanent Secretary Irene Batebe.
