Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company to Break Ground for €13.1M ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project

The ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s push for universal electricity access and rural economic transformation. UECCC, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to ensuring timely execution and sustainability of the project.

Jan 29, 2025 - 08:48
Jan 29, 2025 - 09:21
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Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company to Break Ground for €13.1M ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project
UECCC MD(2R)

Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) is set to officially break ground for the ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project on February 1, 2025, in Mitooma District.

According to the UECCC Managing Director Roy Nuamutale Baguma, this transformative project, valued at €13.1 million, is jointly funded by the Netherlands Government’s ORIO Infrastructure Fund (now "Invest International") and the Government of Uganda (GoU). UECCC, the designated implementing agency, aims to enhance rural electrification by constructing nine mini hydro power plants and expanding distribution networks to seven districts.

The ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project is designed to provide sustainable and reliable electricity to rural communities in Uganda. The key components include:

Construction of 9 mini hydro power plants with a combined capacity of 6.7 MW

Installation of 288 km of local distribution networks

Electrification of 71,081 households and 2,300 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

The selected project areas include Kasese, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Hoima, Kabarole, Bunyangabu, and Bundibugyo. These locations were identified based on their high social return on investment rather than commercial viability, ensuring improved access to electricity for agriculture, small industries, and households.

This initiative aligns with the Government of Uganda’s National Development Plan III (NDP III) and its broader goal of increasing electricity access in rural areas. The expected benefits include:

Job Creation: The project will generate employment opportunities during construction and operation. Support for Agro-Processing: Reliable electricity will enhance value addition in agriculture, boosting economic activities in the targeted regions.

Improved Livelihoods: Households will benefit from affordable and stable electricity, leading to better living conditions.

Decentralized Power Supply: Small hydro plants will mitigate power losses associated with long-distance electricity transmission.

UECCC has engaged two international contractors for the project:

HNAC Technology Co. Ltd (China) – Responsible for civil and hydro-mechanical works.

Ossberger GmbH (Germany) – Tasked with the design, manufacture, and installation of electro-mechanical systems.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, led by Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, will oversee the project. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Thomas Tayebwa, is expected to be the chief guest at the groundbreaking ceremony.

To ensure smooth implementation, UECCC has already compensated all Project Affected Persons (PAPs), and primary residents have been resettled in newly constructed houses.

The ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s push for universal electricity access and rural economic transformation. UECCC, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to ensuring timely execution and sustainability of the project.

With groundbreaking scheduled for February 1, 2025, this project will be a game-changer in bridging Uganda’s rural electrification gap and promoting sustainable development.

John Kusolo John Kusolo is a Ugandan Journalist, Sport fanatic, Tourist, Pastor, and Motivational Speaker. * Journalist: He works for Nile Chronicles News, NCN. * Passion: Known for his dedication to his work and strong motivation. * Ambitious: He sets goals for himself and strives to achieve them. * Enjoys challenges: He thrives in challenging situations.