By Namugerwa Martha
The French government has signed an agreement worth shs 6.5 billion with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) to help in the development of small hydro power projects of Okulacere and Agbinika in the west Nile.
French ambassador in Uganda Stephanie Rivoal signed the agreement with the minister of finance Hon. Matia Kasaija and UEGCL executive director Eng. Harrison Mutikanga today in order to help with the construction of hydro power projects in Uganda.
kasaija said that after the completion of Karuma and Isimba dam , Uganda will have increased power supply complimented by the small hydro plants.
“Part of this fund grant shall be used to undertake the review and update the previous studies on the rehabilitation and upgrade of Maziba,” Kasaija said.
Kasaija added that Uganda is on its path to industrialization however they can’t industrialize without power hence the need to develop small hydro power stations is needed.
Additionally, Mutikanga was grateful to the French government for accepting to provide Uganda with shs 6.5 billion for the feasibility of hydro studies.
“There are many hydro projects and there is need to build local capacity including small hydro power plants to ensure access to electricity to remote and poorer communities through on and off grid solutions,” Mutikanga said.
He added that they are now focusing on cost effective development and affordability which will turn into spiral sustainable development
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