By Jane Namugula
The Government of Uganda established the Ncwera Mini Hydro-Power Project in Mitooma District to enhance both rural electrification and economic development. The project implements its operations through the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project to establish dependable and affordable power services for industrial development and social economic growth.
During a speech Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa underscored Uganda’s immediate requirement for dependable cheap electricity because unreliable power supply remains a crucial issue. The issue of unreliable power supply has restricted business development as well as educational institutions healthcare organizations and family homes across Uganda.
Tayebwa gave these statements at the inaugural event for the Ncwera Mini Hydro-Power Project construction in Ruhinda North County within Mitooma District. The Ministry received appreciation from the Deputy Speaker for making attention focus on vital energy infrastructure development throughout rural territories.
The dual role of area Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker pointed out that future power provision will stimulate substantial economic possibilities for the local population. Through this project, farmers can enhance processing speed for their agricultural products while small local businesses will expand and students will obtain improved educational prospects “Tayebwa declared.
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa as Minister for Energy and Mineral Development stated that the project supports the presidential target to supply cost-effective energy for industrialization and social-economic growth. The accepted rate of 5.3 US cents per unit represents a substantial milestone toward electricity cost reduction according to her statement.
According to Nankabirwa hydropower technology stands as the most affordable sustainable energy source for developmental purposes. The planned electricity output of 5 megawatts will supply power to multiple homes establishments and industries across the regional area.
The Woman Representative of Mitooma District Hon. Juliet Agasha provided analysis about the energy sector infrastructure which the district currently uses. The representative noted that two sub-counties do not benefit from adequate electricity services since they only have an installation of poles without connecting wires. Agasha maintained optimistic expectations that the initiative would resolve current energy problems and provide a constant power supply to the general area.
The Ncwera Mini Hydro-Power Project belongs to an eight-site mini-hydropower development plan that targets six districts namely Bushenyi, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Bunyangabo, and Hoima. The projects work together to produce 6.7 megawatts of power using a 288-kilometer distribution network that serves rural areas.
The project team will deliver the implementation within one year to advance national policies along with the National Development Plan (NDP IV) and Vision 2040 as well as Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) which focuses on energy accessibility for everyone.
