UETCL receives a Power system Stabilizing Equipment from JICA

On 11, July 2023, UETCL (Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited) received a power system stability enhancing equipment from the Government of Japan through JICA. The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa officiated over the handover ceremony at Lugogo substation. In attendance was the Japanese Ambassador to Uganda H.E Fukuzawa Hidemoto and the JICA Uganda Chief Representative, Mr. Inoue Yoichi.

The equipment will enable UETCL to analyze the causes of power outages and propose and implement effective countermeasures, hence improving the stability of the power grid in Uganda. Other sub stations that benefitted from this support are Kawanda and Tororo.

The Equipment comprise of fault recorders and fault locators as well as an assortment of modern servers and computers. This equipment was procured through a Technical Cooperation Project for, “Capacity Development Project for Improvement of Protection of Transmission System for Uganda”. Takaoka Engineering Co., Ltd oversaw procurement and installation of this equipment from Kinkei System Corporation. The operation and maintenance including capacity building for UETCL staff, will be handled by Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc

The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, encouraged the Government of Uganda to ensure maintenance of the equipment is prioritized, to sustainably manage the power outages. The energy minister gave assurances that the equipment will be efficiently maintained given its importance in stabilizing electricity supply.

JICA has been a key partner in the development of Uganda’s electricity sector for a long period of time. JICA has provided financial assistance towards regional electricity grid interconnectivity as well as power stability and reliability in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. In addition to funding infrastructure, Capacity building of UETCL personnel through the different JICA training programs is also high on JICA’s agenda.

Pictorial: The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Ambassador of Japan to Uganda H.E Fukuzawa Hidemoto, JICA Chief Representative Mr. Inoue Yoichi and the UETCL Team during the handover ceremony.