The Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) has been undertaking reconstruction work on the 1km Kawanda to Waligo interconnection power line that was previously vandalized. UEDCL’s Managing Director, Paul Mwesigwa, together with members of the Senior Management Team, conducted a site visit to assess progress on this strategic project, which is designed to strengthen the electricity network in central Uganda.

The Kawanda to Waligo line is a critical component of the local electricity grid. Its reconstruction is aimed at relieving the overloaded Namugongo Substation, which has been experiencing increasing demand due to rapid urban growth and commercial expansion in Kira, Namugongo, Kasangati, Gayaza, and Sonde. Overloaded substations can cause frequent power interruptions, voltage instability, and reduced reliability for households, businesses, and essential services. By strengthening this interconnection line, UEDCL seeks to improve network stability and ensure more consistent electricity supply in the affected areas.

Once fully operational, the reconstructed Kawanda-Waligo line is expected to transmit up to 12MW of additional electricity capacity. This expansion will help meet the growing electricity needs of households, businesses, and social institutions, providing a more reliable power supply for everyday activities. While 12MW is modest compared to national generation figures, it is significant for local distribution, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas where demand has been rising steadily.

The project is part of UEDCL’s broader program to reinforce the electricity network and enhance future system resilience. In parallel, the company plans to construct a new substation within the year. This substation will complement existing infrastructure by improving voltage performance, stabilizing the network, and increasing overall system reliability.

Infrastructure projects like the Kawanda to Waligo reconstruction are essential for supporting Uganda’s continued urbanization and economic growth. Rapid population increases in towns such as Kira and Namugongo have led to higher electricity demand. Businesses, schools, hospitals, and residential areas all rely on a stable power supply to function effectively. Strengthening key substations and interconnection lines helps prevent outages and ensures consistent service for communities and commercial activities.

UEDCL’s focus on network reinforcement demonstrates a commitment not only to repairing vandalized infrastructure but also to long-term system reliability. By addressing the overload at Namugongo Substation and improving the Kawanda to Waligo line, the company is proactively managing the challenges of rising electricity consumption in central Uganda. These measures reduce the likelihood of recurring outages and enhance overall network performance.

The benefits of the project extend beyond technical improvements. Reliable electricity enables businesses to operate without interruption, supports the provision of essential social services such as healthcare and education, and improves quality of life for residents. In the areas served by the Kawanda-Waligo line, enhanced electricity reliability can support lighting, water pumping, refrigeration, and other critical services, demonstrating the wider social and economic impact of UEDCL’s investments.

In addition to improving current supply reliability, UEDCL’s plans for a new substation indicate a forward-looking approach to electricity management. Future-ready infrastructure ensures that the network can accommodate increasing demand from urban expansion, new residential developments, and commercial growth. Substations play a crucial role in regulating voltage, distributing power efficiently, and maintaining system stability across the grid. By expanding and reinforcing these components, UEDCL is building a more resilient electricity network for central Uganda.

The company’s ongoing investments in electricity infrastructure align with its commitment to provide safe, efficient, and reliable power to Ugandans. Projects such as the Kawanda-Waligo reconstruction not only restore service after vandalism but also strengthen the network to meet current and future demands. As urban centers expand and commercial activity grows, these investments become increasingly important to sustain economic development and support social well-being.

Residents and businesses in Kira, Namugongo, Kasangati, Gayaza, and Sonde are expected to experience improved electricity reliability once the reconstruction is completed. Fewer outages and more stable voltage will benefit households in daily life, enable businesses to operate efficiently, and ensure essential institutions such as hospitals and schools have consistent power to serve their communities.

The Kawanda to Waligo power line reconstruction illustrates UEDCL’s commitment to addressing both immediate challenges and long-term electricity needs. By focusing on strategic network reinforcement, capacity expansion, and future infrastructure planning, the company is helping to build a robust and resilient electricity system capable of supporting Uganda’s growing population and economy.

In conclusion, the site visit led by Managing Director Paul Mwesigwa highlights the progress being made on this important project. The reconstruction of the Kawanda to Waligo interconnection line, combined with plans for a new substation, represents significant steps toward improving electricity reliability for central Uganda. With up to 12MW of additional capacity and strengthened infrastructure, UEDCL is ensuring that households, businesses, and essential services in Kira, Namugongo, and surrounding areas continue to have access to safe, efficient, and dependable electricity. These initiatives reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Uganda’s electricity network while supporting economic growth and social development.