Uganda has broken ground on a major 400kV electricity transmission line and associated infrastructure aimed at strengthening power supply, supporting industrialisation and accelerating socio-economic development across Northern and Eastern Uganda.

The project is expected to improve the reliability of electricity supply and provide the high-voltage infrastructure needed to support industrial growth, expand economic opportunities and improve livelihoods in the targeted regions.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Monica Musenero, described the project as a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen Uganda’s electricity transmission network and support its industrialisation agenda.

Musenero said the transmission line would form a major backbone for electricity supply across Northern Uganda and extend towards Eastern Uganda, helping communities and businesses benefit from improved access to reliable power.

“This line is going to form a major backbone for the people across Northern Uganda up to Eastern Uganda,” she said.

The Minister emphasised that reliable electricity is essential for powering industries, creating employment opportunities and improving the livelihoods of Ugandans. She highlighted areas targeted for industrial development, including Tororo and northeastern Uganda, as among those where dependable power infrastructure is important for economic growth.

She commended the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the project teams and financing partners for the preparatory work that enabled the project to reach the groundbreaking stage.

However, Musenero urged all stakeholders to move quickly from planning to actual implementation, stressing that progress should be demonstrated through visible construction activities rather than reports and meetings.

“I am not interested in your reports of meetings. I want to see pictures of graders moving and things moving,” she said.

Her remarks underscored the need for engineers, contractors and project partners to maintain momentum and ensure that implementation proceeds according to schedule.

The Minister also called on local suppliers to build their capacity to provide goods and services required for the project. She urged financing partners to support domestic businesses that may experience financial challenges in meeting supply requirements, highlighting the importance of enabling Ugandan enterprises to participate in major infrastructure projects.

Musenero further stressed the need for high-quality construction to ensure the transmission infrastructure serves the country for generations. She called on local governments and communities along the project route to take ownership of the development, protect the infrastructure and help prevent vandalism during construction and after commissioning.

According to the Minister, the project is expected to be completed within 36 months. She called on the engineers, contractors and financiers to work together to meet the implementation timeline.

The project is intended to strengthen electricity transmission capacity while supporting industrial development and economic activity across Northern and Eastern Uganda. Reliable power is expected to help industries operate more effectively, create opportunities for young people to acquire skills and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

Musenero reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working with development partners, contractors, local suppliers and communities to deliver energy infrastructure that supports Uganda’s industrialisation ambitions and long-term prosperity.

The successful implementation of the project will depend on timely construction, quality standards, effective coordination among stakeholders and the protection of the infrastructure. Its ultimate impact will be measured by the delivery of reliable electricity to industries and communities across the targeted regions.