The Karuma Hydropower Plant in Uganda, a flagship 600 MW project financed 85% by the Export-Import Bank of China and 15% by the Ugandan government, has successfully synchronized its fourth turbine unit, bringing the plant closer to full capacity. Each of the six turbine units produces 100 MW, and full commissioning is expected by the end of the year. Currently, power is being transmitted through available lines, including the 132 kV Karuma–Lira line, while completion of the high-voltage 400 kV transmission lines to Kawanda and Olwiyo is underway.

Once fully operational, Karuma will increase Uganda’s national generation capacity to about 1,868 MW, addressing suppressed demand, supporting industrial parks, boosting rural and domestic connections, and contributing to affordable and reliable electricity at 4.8 US cents per kWh. The project is critical to Uganda’s socio-economic development, improving energy access, reducing past power shortages, and enabling the country to leverage its surplus generation capacity for industrial growth and regional energy trade.