Eskom Uganda Limited has handed over Nalubaale and Kiira Hydro Power Plants (HPPs) back to the government of Uganda through the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL).

This comes after a 20-year concession between Uganda and the South African energy firm came to an end.

The handover of the power plants to UEGCL and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) took place in Jinja City on Monday, 27 March 2023.

The Managing Director of Eskom Uganda, Thozama Gangi, said she was handing over a healthy power plant to Uganda.

“I am happy to report that Eskom is handing over a healthy plant to the government of Uganda. The plant’s availability stands at 99%. Nalubaale HPP can run for the next 20 years, and Kiira HPP (50 years),” she said.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UEGCL, Dr Eng. Harrison Mutikanga, said UEGCL will officially start managing and running the plants on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

He said Nalubaale will be 70 years next year; and thanked Eskom for maintaining and running the power plants in a health manner.

“On behalf of UEGCL, we accept to take back our assets (380MW Nalubaale & Kiira Power Plants),” Dr Eng. Mutikanga said after receiving the plant keys & documents from Peter Lokeris, the Minister of State for Minerals.

“As we take over the management and operation of these power stations, we are committed to ensuring that they continue to provide reliable and affordable electricity to the people of Uganda,” said Dr. Eng Mutikanga

Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the CEO of Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), the regulator of the electricity supply industry, was ecstatic that from only 3 power plants, Uganda now has over 50 power generating plants.

"I would like to thank Eskom Uganda for their great contribution and investment in the electricity supply industry,” Eng Waako said.

Eskom Uganda has managed the Nalubaale and Kiira HPP since April 1, 2003.