UMEME injects Sh3.8 billion in Kira power supply project

The electricity distributor says that the project seeks to put in place two new power lines from Namugongo substation to Kira and detach areas such as Najeera off the overloaded Namugongo-Kyaliwajjala power line.

UMEME had noted that there has been electricity loss in form of heat due to the  long distance between the substation and Kira Municipality which they seek to reduce in the new project.

Speaking to Parrots UG, Job Watti, the Umeme projects investment manager said that the demand for power in Kira Municipality has gone faster than supply thus requiring improvement.

“Demand for power from our 62,247 customers has outgrown the capacity of the three lines feeding Kira and the surrounding areas,” he said,

He noted a need for additional lines in order to solve the demand and reliability problems in the area.

The project is according to Watti expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2023.

Kira formerly regarded to as a residence place is transiting into a business centre at a lightning speed as many local and foreign investors are erecting commercial buildings in the area. Its this infrastructure development that is increasing population pressure in Kira hence the higher demands for services.

Umeme is undertaking several other projects in Kira municipality to improve on the supply and reliability of power. These include the Namugongo–Najeera reliability improvement project, construction of dedicating lines to installations and national hospitals to enable the health facilities store blood and drugs without worrying of outages.

This according to Selestino Babungi, the Umeme managing director will offer customers assured and more reliable supply.

“Not only will the supply be reliable, the quality of supply is also greatly enhanced,” he said.

UMEME says that there will be power interruptions such as traffic interruptions during the refurbishment works appealing to customers to remain patient during this period