The Isimba Hydro-power project under the construction by the China International Water and Electric Corporation was at 75% physical completion rate. The Chief Executive Director Eng. Harrison Mukiganga said the construction of Isimba will reduce the cost of electricity. “It will increase access and it will also translate into probably a reduced cost in the tariff of the power because cost of generation of the power generated here will be at US 5 Cents.” “So at the moment 99% of the concrete works and civil works have been completed. And electrical mechanical equipment which is the turbine and generator installation that is ongoing. So at the moment the power house works on time and on schedule.” Said, Sher Baluch – Transition Manager, Isimba Dam.

The River Nile whose waters will be used to generate 183 MGW was diverted back to its natural path. “For us to be able to build the dam as it were, we had to divert the water back to its original pathway and this is exactly what we did and we call it second stage river diversion.” Said, Simon Kasyate – Corporate Affairs Manager, UEGCL. “We are having four turbines, each will have an output of about 45 MGW.” Said, Paul Tumwine – Mechanical Engineer, Isimba Dam.

At least 460 million dollars were invested in the Hydro-power project. In 2015 they kicked off and hoped by 2018 in August they would have completed the project. “You have the turbine there, part of the turbine and over here you have the U81 Station and then over there not completely finished yet but is going to the center of all the generation you need to be stocked here on the pit.” Said, Samson Tesfayes – Electrical Engineer, Isimba Dam. Land disputes continued to delay the transmission lines meant to distribute power and insufficient funds had slowed the process of UEGCL acquiring a new supervising contractor. “There are a few people that are still to be compensated on the transmission line where this power will be evacuated up to the Bujagali Sub-Station.”