President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni commissioned the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Plant in Kiryandongo District on September 26, 2024, a critical infrastructure project aimed at enhancing Uganda's electricity supply and supporting economic growth. The plant, constructed by China’s Sinohydro Corporation Limited, represents a key step in Uganda’s efforts to meet its growing energy demands.
Speaking at the commissioning, President Museveni expressed his appreciation to the Chinese government for funding the project and praised Sinohydro for their work. “At least now we have made progress, but we still have a long way to go. Our goal is to ensure enough electricity at a low cost,” the President stated.
Museveni outlined Uganda’s strategic focus on four main sectors—commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT—and emphasized that these sectors rely heavily on affordable and reliable electricity. He also highlighted the importance of reducing transport costs through the ongoing rehabilitation of railway lines to further enhance Uganda's competitiveness.
Addressing the threat of vandalism to electricity infrastructure, Museveni vowed to work closely with his Cabinet to find a lasting solution. He also cautioned Ugandans, particularly those involved in agriculture and manufacturing, against borrowing from money lenders, describing them as “enemies of development.” Instead, he encouraged them to seek financial support from government-backed institutions such as the Uganda Development Bank (UDB), Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Vice President Jessica Alupo, in her remarks, hailed the project as a major milestone in Uganda’s journey toward energy sufficiency. “The Karuma project is a stepping stone for Uganda to reach its target of 52,000 MW by 2040,” she said, highlighting the plant’s pivotal role in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa provided details of the project's funding, explaining that it was financed by a partnership between the Government of Uganda (15%) and China’s Exim Bank (85%). She emphasized that the hydropower plant would play a critical role in powering Uganda’s growing industrial sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Zhang Lizhong, hailed the Karuma Hydropower Plant as a symbol of the strong bilateral relations between Uganda and China. "I am happy to say that today our bilateral relations have reached their highest level," he remarked.
Eng. Badru Kiggundu, Chairperson of the Karuma and Isimba Hydropower Project Steering Committee, praised the plant as Africa’s largest underground hydropower station and lauded Sinohydro for delivering a high-quality project.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by government officials, MPs, business leaders, and other key stakeholders, all of whom celebrated the completion of a project that is expected to significantly boost Uganda’s energy production capacity and drive economic growth through renewable energy.
