Nyagak III hydropower plant commissioned — 6.6 MW now feeding West Nile into national grid
Zombo, Uganda — After years of anticipation, the Nyagak III Hydroelectric Power Plant was officially commissioned on August 1, 2025, bringing an additional 6.6 MW of clean energy to Uganda’s grid. The plant is expected to generate over 36 GWh annually and catalyze industrial growth and socioeconomic development in the West Nile region.
Project Overview & Technical Details
The Nyagak III plant is a run‑of‑river hydro facility powered by two 3.3 MW Francis turbines.
It was developed via a public-private partnership (PPP), with a total investment of ~USD 20 million.
Annual generation is projected at ~36.27 GWh, enough electricity to serve about 8,500 households in the region.
Nyagak III complements the earlier Nyagak I plant (3.5 MW), increasing total regional capacity to ~11.5 MW.
Commissioning, Stakeholders & Ceremony
The ceremony was presided over by Energy Minister Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa and attended by UEGCL officials, local leaders, and community members.
The plant was synchronized with the national grid via the 132 kV Thatha substation in Nebbi, which itself is linked via Karuma → Olwiyo → Nwoya transmission lines.
Expected Benefits & Regional Impact
Improved electricity access: It will bolster power availability in Arua, Nebbi, Zombo, and beyond.
Industrial growth: Stable power supply supports factories, agroprocessing, and SMEs across 13 districts in the West Nile subregion.
Lower tariffs & reliability: Authorities expect that more hydropower projects (including Karuma) together will reduce dependence on costly diesel or backup systems, and stabilize prices.
Challenges & Ongoing Works
CSR obligations & ancillary works: Some community component works (roads, electrification of nearby areas) are due to finish by October; local leaders expect the President to officiate the final handover.
Rain & logistics delays: During construction, heavy rains periodically slowed work and hindered truck access to the site.
Sustainability & maintenance: Ensuring ongoing maintenance, environmental flows, and integration with broader grid planning will be critical.
Quotes / Voices
From Minister Nankabirwa: The project “marks the completion of technical commissioning … we have synchronized 6.6 MW to the grid and handed over the station to UEGCL.”
From local leaders: Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua encouraged communities to tap into the new power supply for education, business, and growth.
Impact snapshot: Households, businesses, districts benefiting
