Uganda has broken ground on a €342.6 million (approximately) Karuma–Tororo 400kV power transmission project aimed at strengthening electricity supply to Eastern Uganda and Greater Kampala, supporting industrialisation and expanding regional electricity trade.

The project involves the construction of approximately 347 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines traversing 15 districts, alongside associated substations. It is expected to improve the capacity and reliability of Uganda’s electricity transmission network.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr Monica Musenero said the project would provide critical infrastructure to support industrial growth, create jobs and accelerate the country’s socio-economic transformation.

Musenero urged contractors and engineers to begin work promptly and deliver quality infrastructure within the planned 36-month construction period.

She also called on local suppliers to take advantage of opportunities arising from the project and urged communities along the transmission route to protect the infrastructure against vandalism.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) Board Chairperson Kwame Ejalu said the project complements government investments in electricity generation, including the 600-megawatt Karuma Hydropower Plant.

He noted that expanding the transmission network is essential to ensuring that electricity generated in the country reaches homes, businesses and industries reliably.

Ejalu emphasised the importance of accountability, value for money and quality workmanship throughout the project's implementation. He also highlighted the need to ensure fair compensation for people affected by the project.

Sweden’s Ambassador to Uganda, Anna Maria, reaffirmed her country's commitment to supporting Uganda's energy development, citing the longstanding partnership involving Swedish companies, financing institutions and the Ugandan government.

She said the project would strengthen electricity transmission infrastructure, encourage investment and create opportunities for cross-border electricity trade.

The Karuma–Tororo project forms part of Uganda's broader infrastructure development and industrialisation agenda, under which reliable and affordable electricity is considered essential to expanding manufacturing, attracting investment and improving productivity.

Upon completion, the transmission line is expected to strengthen power delivery to key demand centres, particularly in Eastern Uganda and Greater Kampala, while supporting the country's ambitions to deepen regional energy cooperation.

The project is scheduled to take 36 months to complete.