Kiira, Nalubaale dams set for Shs737bn renovation
Overview
Uganda is set to undertake a major renovation of its oldest hydropower stations, Nalubaale and Kiira dams, in a project worth about €170 million (Shs737 billion) funded through a partnership between the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
The refurbishment will be done in phases and will focus on upgrading aging infrastructure, including replacing Nalubaale’s outdated substation (built in 1953), modernizing turbines, and improving control and automation systems at Kiira Dam. Nalubaale, which remains Uganda’s least-cost hydropower plant, will also undergo structural reinforcement due to long-standing cracks and aging materials.
A key part of the project includes improving climate resilience by strengthening spillways and studying lake water level changes to protect the dams from climate-related risks. There is also discussion of increasing generation capacity by over 20 MW.
Despite its age, Nalubaale continues to produce some of the cheapest electricity in the region, at about one cent per unit, making it a critical asset for Uganda’s energy supply.
The project is backed by international partners including France and the European Union, with work expected to begin next year.