Uganda’s Nyagak III Hydroelectric Power Station, a 6.6-megawatt facility located in Zombo District, has officially commenced operations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy sector. The plant, which began construction in 2017, was inaugurated on August 1, 2025, after overcoming several challenges that delayed its completion.
The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, who announced that the plant is now synchronized with the national grid and under the management of the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL). She emphasized that the power generated will be transmitted to the Nebbi substation and distributed nationwide, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving 100% electricity access by 2040.
Developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the Nyagak III project is expected to generate over 36 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, enough to power approximately 8,500 households in the West Nile region, including districts such as Arua, Nebbi, and Zombo. This addition to the national grid is anticipated to alleviate the region’s longstanding power shortages and support economic development.
The $20 million project comprises two 3.3-megawatt Horizontal Francis turbines. The government holds a 30% stake through the Ministry of Energy and UEGCL, while a private consortium—Hydromax Ltd, Dott Services, and Tata Consulting Engineers—owns the remaining 70%. The consortium is set to operate the plant for 20 years before transferring it to the government.
Despite initial setbacks, including funding challenges and environmental concerns, the project has now been completed. Former Energy Minister Simon D’Ujanga, who initiated feasibility stus for Nyagak I and III in the 1990s, described the commissioning as a transformative milestone. He expressed optimism that the addition of 6.6 megawatts would eliminate power outages in the West Nile region and attract investors to industrial parks, leveraging the region’s 90-megawatt capacity.
Local leaders have expressed concerns over delayed corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, such as roads, a health center, and school blocks. In response, Minister Nankabirwa outlined ongoing works, including the completion of four boreholes, a footbridge, and progress on a Health Centre III and classroom blocks. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the community and urged local residents to continue supporting government initiatives.
The successful commissioning of Nyagak III underscores Uganda’s commitment to expanding its renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring a le power supply to underserved regions.
The plant’s operation is expected to enhance energy reliability, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents in the West Nile sub-region.
Wow, great news about the new hydroelectric power station in Uganda! Do you think this will help improve the countrys energy access and development?
Wow, great news about the hydroelectric power station in Uganda! I wonder how this will impact the local communities and environment in the long run.
Wow, do you think this hydroelectric power station will really make a difference in Ugandas energy supply? Im curious to see the impact!
Wow, great news about the new hydroelectric power station in Uganda! Do you think it will really make a significant difference in the countrys energy supply?
Wow, great news about the new hydroelectric power station in Uganda! Do you think this will help improve access to electricity for all citizens?
Wow, great news about the new hydroelectric power station in Uganda! Do you think this will help reduce energy shortages in the country?
I wonder if this new power station will actually make a significant difference in Ugandas energy supply. Time will tell!
Im not convinced this hydroelectric power station will actually benefit the local communities. It could just end up lining the pockets of the elite.