Project Background

Within the framework for pooling resources from Development Partners, UECCC accessed a grant of up to EUR 13.1 million from the Government of the Netherlands for the development of nine mini hydropower sites as a single rural electrification project.

Project Details

The ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project entails the construction of nine mini hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 6.7 MW, a 288-kilometre local distribution network, up to 71,081 household connections and connections for 2,300 SMEs.

The project area covers Kasese, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Hoima, Kabarole, Bunyangabu and Bundibugyo districts.

  • The small plants provide a captive, stable and reliable source of power for rural electrification in the project area, reducing the challenges associated with transmitting power over long distances.
  • The plants are located in hard-to-reach areas with challenging topography and geophysical conditions.
  • The project sites were selected for their high social return through rural electrification rather than their commercial viability.
  • The project is funded by the Netherlands Government’s ORIO Infrastructure Fund, now Invest International, with co-financing from the Government of Uganda.
  • The ground-breaking ceremony took place in Mitooma District on 1 February 2025.

Physical Implementation Progress: Phase 1

Construction is ongoing, with completion planned for March 2027.

Civil and Hydromechanical Works

  • Full mobilisation has been achieved at all four sites, including campsites, machinery, materials, equipment and personnel.
  • Detailed designs have been completed and prioritised for Hoimo (3.6 MW), Nchwera (0.53 MW), Nsongya (0.54 MW) and Igassa (0.29 MW). Implementation will proceed after the Owner’s Engineer issues a No Objection.
  • Design and manufacture of hydromechanical equipment, including penstocks, stoplogs, gates, trash racks and accessories, is 96% complete.

Electromechanical Works

  • Detailed designs for electromechanical equipment have been completed for all four sites.
  • Ossberger GmbH of Germany has commenced the manufacture of turbines and generators for the Phase 1 sites, with delivery expected in October 2026.

Pictorial Captions

  • Productive-use energy technologies being financed: solar refrigerators, solar water pumps and solar water heaters.
  • Grant agreement signing with Energy Service Companies and the official launch of the Price Subsidy Scheme by the Honourable Minister.
  • Ground-breaking ceremony for the ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project in Mitooma District on 1 February 2025.