Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is accelerating for one of East Africa’s flagship power infrastructure projects, the 400kV Uganda-Tanzania Interconnection Project (UTIP), a 257km high-voltage line from Wobulenzi near Kampala through Masaka to Mutukula border. Fully World Bank-financed at $250 million (Shs937 billion), it promises boosted electricity trade, grid stability, and economic ties with Tanzania.
The double-circuit line links Uganda’s grid to Tanzania’s, enabling massive bidirectional power flows beyond the current 132kV setup, where exports have surged sevenfold in two decades. It builds on joint ventures like the 14MW Kikagati Hydropower Plant, cutting reliance on costly thermal backups and fueling industrial expansion.
While contacted, the UETCL Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Richard Matsiko emphasized the strategic importance of the link, noting that it builds on Uganda’s growing role as a regional energy exporter. It slots into Eastern Africa Power Pool plans alongside Kenya-Tanzania and Uganda-Rwanda links, syncing with EACOP oil exports for broader integration.
He explained that UETCL ramps up under new World Bank rules stressing transparency, efficiency, and 30% local labor/content quotas to maximize community gains and sidestep past delays from land, design, or soil issues. Early market sessions engage engineers, contractors, and firms for competitive bids.
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports and Resettlement Frameworks address environmental/social risks via stakeholder talks. Industry eyes this as a momentum booster for power sector unity especially as both Uganda and Tanzania prepare for increased economic activity linked to upcoming crude oil exports via the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
