Uganda seeks contractor for 9 hydropower dams

KAMPALA, March 16 (Xinhua) — Uganda is seeking an internationally
recognized company to undertake the construction of nine hydro power plants.

According to an advert on local media on Thursday, the plants will be
constructed in districts of Hoima, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Bundibugyo,
Bushenyi and Mitooma. All combined, the plants will supply 6.7 MW of
power.  During the presentation of the country’s budget for 2018, finance
minister Matia Kasaija said the country’s electricity coverage had
increased from 11 percent in 2011 to 20.4 percent in 2016, and that several
hydro power projects are being undertaken to supply more electricity to the
country.  “Construction works at the Karuma and Isimba hydropower projects
are at 51 percent and 63 percent respectively. Construction works are also
underway at 12 out of 17 projects,” the minister announced then. The
feasibility study for the new different power plants was concluded in 2016
and the project only awaits implementation.