Powering Uganda Sustainably

SMEC is proud to have partnered with the Government of Uganda to solve the country’s electricity generation deficit through the realization of the Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station, which was commissioned in March 2019.

SMEC is proud to have partnered with the Government of Uganda to solve the country’s electricity generation deficit through the realization of the Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station, which was commissioned in March 2019.

While Uganda has invested significantly in national infrastructure, power shortages and costly energy continue to put pressure on businesses and households. Part of a national investment strategy in hydropower to boost economic growth and reduce environmental impact, the Isimba Hydropower station is one of Uganda’s largest infrastructure projects and the third largest electricity plant in the country. It is expected to boost electricity generation by 183MW, powering homes, schools, factories and planned transport systems.

“The commissioning of the Isimba Dam is a proud day for SMEC, for our partners and clients, and most of all for the Government and people of Uganda,” said Mr. John Baptist-Matovu, SMEC Uganda Country Manager.

Construction of the hydropower plant commenced in April 2015 through a bilateral agreement between Uganda and China. As the Project Management Consultant (PMC), SMEC worked closely with contractors and the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd (UEGCL) to supervise the quality of construction, ensure compliance with project processes, monitor progress, train and mentor UEGCL staff, and provide technical expertise and engineering advice for various project phases.

The Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station is located along the River Nile between Lake Kyoga in Kayunga District and Lake Victoria, some 90km North-East of Kampala. It extends over more than 2,800 acres of land and comprises a power house with four 45.8MW Kaplan turbine generator units, a water retaining dam, a spillway and a 132kV switchyard.

SMEC has operated in Uganda for 15 years, partnering with key public and private entities to deliver significant nation-building infrastructure projects.
Read more: https://www.smec.com/en_ug