UETCL Breaks Ground on €342.59m Karuma–Tororo 400kV Transmission Line Project in Uganda

The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has commenced construction of the Karuma–Tororo 400kV Transmission Line Project at Ntinda Substation in Kampala, Uganda.

The project involves the construction of approximately 347 km of 400kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the Karuma Hydropower Plant in northwestern Uganda to Tororo in the eastern part of the country. The scope also includes the development of a new 400/220/33kV Tororo Border Substation, a 132/33kV Ntinda Substation in Kampala, and extension works at the existing Karuma Substation. The transmission infrastructure will pass through 15 districts, improving the movement of electricity from generation facilities to major consumption centres.

The project is valued at approximately €342.59 million (US$382.6 million) and is supported by financing arrangements involving the Government of Sweden and the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN). Construction works are expected to be undertaken by Kalpataru Power Transmission Sweden AB, with financing arranged through Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and export-credit support from Swedish institutions. The project reflects international cooperation between Uganda and Sweden in developing strategic energy infrastructure. Upon completion, the transmission line is expected to enhance bulk electricity supply to industries, businesses and communities in eastern Uganda and Greater Kampala. It will also support regional electricity trading through the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), helping Uganda strengthen its electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries. 

UETCL has commenced implementation activities, including handing over the site to the contractor and initiating disclosure and compensation processes for Project Affected Persons. These activities are important to ensure that construction progresses while addressing land acquisition, compensation and community-related requirements.