Sweden has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda’s energy sector through strategic partnerships, technical expertise and project financing as the government continues to expand electricity transmission infrastructure to support industrialisation and economic growth.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Karuma–Tororo transmission line and associated substations, Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Anna Maria, said the project highlights the importance of cooperation between the two countries in advancing Uganda’s energy development priorities.

The ambassador noted that Uganda has made significant progress in expanding electricity access and increasing power generation capacity over the past 15 years. She said the country is now placing greater emphasis on strengthening electricity transmission, improving supply reliability and facilitating regional power trade.

The Karuma–Tororo transmission project is expected to help evacuate electricity generated at Uganda’s 600-megawatt Karuma Hydropower Plant to Eastern Uganda, strengthen the national transmission grid and create opportunities for electricity trade across East Africa.

“Together, we are not only building transmission lines and substations, but the foundations for future growth, prosperity and opportunity,” Ambassador Anna Maria said.

She highlighted the contribution of companies and technical partners, including Kalpataru Power Transmission and Hitachi Energy, alongside Swedish export credit institutions and Standard Chartered Bank, in supporting the development of critical energy infrastructure.

Swedish companies have supported Uganda’s energy sector for decades, including through contributions to hydropower infrastructure. The ambassador reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Uganda in renewable energy, infrastructure development, technical capacity building and project financing.

The cooperation is also supported by an energy Memorandum of Understanding between Sweden and Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The agreement provides a framework for continued engagement and collaboration among stakeholders in in the energy sector.

Ambassador Anna Maria commended the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), for working with international partners to advance the transmission project.

Once operational, the transmission line and associated substations are expected to improve electricity delivery to Eastern Uganda, support industrial development, attract investment and create employment opportunities. The infrastructure is also expected to strengthen the availability of reliable electricity for businesses, communities and essential economic and social services.

The project forms part of Uganda’s broader efforts to strengthen its electricity transmission network and ensure that increased power generation capacity translates into a more reliable electricity supply. By improving the movement of electricity from generation facilities to demand centres, the initiative is expected to support industrialisation, business growth and regional energy cooperation.

Sweden’s renewed commitment underscores the continued role of international partnerships in Uganda’s efforts to develop its energy infrastructure, expand economic opportunities and meet the growing electricity needs of industries and communities.