By Aloysious Kasoma
The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Eng. Irene Muloni has revealed that the completion of Karuma and Isimba dam projects will not be launched this year due to delayed completion.
Speaking after inspecting exhibitors at the week-long Energy Week (23-29 September) at KCCA grounds on Tuesday, the Minister said the two power dams are 90% complete.
“Karuma is 90% complete and it was expected [to be complete] before the end of this year, but has been extended to next year,” Muloni said, adding: “Isimba dams which is also at 90% completion, was also expected this year, but has been extended to March next year.”
The minister attributed the delay to “land compensation” issues, vandalism and unpatriotic behaviors by Ugandans within the territory of the projects who are demanding exorbitant compensation.
“I appeal to Ugandans to be patriotic. For vandalism, we are going to amend the Electricity Act [to deal with culprits],” she said.
The Government of Uganda (GOU) is undertaking the construction of two hydro Power dams; Karuma Hydro Power Dam (600MW) and Isimba HPP (183.2 MW) at a cost of USD 1.65bn and USD 570m respectively. The two projects are jointly funded by GOU and a loan from EXIM Bank of China in the ratio (15:85).
