Uganda’s electricity sector has experienced rapid growth, driven by investments in hydroelectric, solar, thermal, hybrid, and proposed geothermal plants. As of September 2024, Uganda’s installed national generation capacity reached 2,048.1 MW. The country’s energy mix is dominated by hydroelectric dams on the Nile and other rivers, but solar and thermal projects are expanding to meet rising demand.
Below is a categorized list of power stations in Uganda, showing both completed and proposed projects.
Hydroelectric Power Stations in Uganda
Uganda’s hydropower plants contribute the majority of the country’s electricity supply.
Completed Hydroelectric Power Stations
- Nalubaale Power Station (180 MW) – Built in 1954, one of Uganda’s oldest dams on the Nile at Jinja.
- Kiira Power Station (200 MW) – Commissioned in 2000, also on the Nile.
- Bujagali Power Station (250 MW) – Commissioned in 2012 on the Nile, a major contributor to the grid.
- Isimba Power Station (183.2 MW) – Commissioned in 2019, a large Nile project.
- Achwa 1 (41 MW) – Gulu District, completed in 2021.
- Achwa 2 (42 MW) – Completed in 2019.
- Mpanga Power Station (18 MW) – Kitagwenda District.
- Bugoye Power Station (13 MW) – Kasese District.
- Kabalega (Buseruka) Power Station (9 MW) – Hoima District.
- Mubuku I, II & III (5 MW, 14 MW, 10 MW) – Kasese District.
- Nyagak I (3.5 MW) – Zombo District.
- Siti I (6.1 MW) & Siti II (16.5 MW) – Bukwo District.
- Nyamagasani I (15 MW) & II (5 MW) – Kasese District.
- Muvumbe Power Station (6.5 MW) – Kabale District.
- Rwimi Power Station (5.6 MW) – Bunyangabu District.
- Nyamwamba (9.2 MW) – Kasese District.
- Nkusi (9.6 MW) – Hoima District.
- Lubilia (5.4 MW) – Kasese District.
- Waki Power Station (4.8 MW) – Masindi District.
- Kyambura Power Station (7.6 MW) – Rubirizi District.
- Ndugutu (5.9 MW) & Sindila (5.3 MW) – Bundibugyo District.
- Kikagati (16 MW) – Isingiro District (2022).
- Kisiizi Power Station (0.3 MW) – Rukungiri District.
Under Construction
- Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station (600 MW) – Uganda’s largest hydropower project, expected in 2024.
- Nyagak III (6.6 MW) – Zombo District, expected in 2025.
Proposed Hydroelectric Projects
- Ayago Power Station (880 MW) – Nwoya District, expected in 2025.
- Muzizi Power Station (44.7 MW) – Hoima District.
- Achwa 3 (10 MW) – Gulu District.
- Agbinika (20 MW) – Yumbe District.
- Nshungyezi (39 MW) – Isingiro District.
- Nyagak II (5 MW) – Zombo District.
- Nengo Bridge (6.7 MW) – Rukungiri District.
Thermal Power Stations in Uganda
Thermal plants provide backup and industrial energy, often using heavy fuel oil or biomass.
Completed Thermal Plants
- Tororo Thermal Power Station (80 MW) – Fuel oil and biodiesel.
- Namanve Thermal Power Station (50 MW) – Fuel oil, used mainly for peak demand.
- Kakira Thermal Power Station (52 MW) – Bagasse (sugarcane by-product).
- Kinyara Thermal Power Station (40 MW) – Bagasse, Masindi District.
- Kaliro Thermal Power Station (12 MW) – Bagasse.
- Lugazi Thermal Power Station (14 MW) – Bagasse.
- Mayuge Thermal Power Station (1.6 MW, expandable to 21–23 MW) – Bagasse.
- Bugala Thermal Power Station (1.5 MW) – Biodiesel, Kalangala District.
Proposed Thermal Plants
- Nzizi Thermal Power Station (100 MW) – Hoima District, natural gas and fuel oil.
- Osukuru Thermal Power Station (12 MW) – Tororo District, peat and heavy fuel oil.
Hybrid Power in Uganda
- Bukuzindu Hybrid Solar and Thermal Power Station (1.6 MW) – Kalangala District, combining solar and diesel, completed in 2014.
Solar Power Stations in Uganda
Uganda has embraced solar energy to diversify its electricity sources.
Completed Solar Projects
- Kabulasoke Solar Power Station (20 MW) – Gomba District, 2019.
- Soroti Solar Power Station (10 MW) – Soroti District, 2016.
- Tororo Solar Power Station (10 MW) – Tororo District, 2017.
- Mayuge Solar Power Station (10 MW) – Mayuge District, 2019.
- Busitema Solar Power Station (4 MW) – Busia District, 2022.
Proposed Solar Projects
- Namugoga Solar Power Station (50 MW) – Wakiso District.
- Nkonge Solar Power Station (50 MW) – Mubende District.
- Ituka Solar Power Station (20 MW) – Arua District.
Geothermal Power in Uganda
Although still in the early stages, Uganda has identified geothermal potential in western regions.
Proposed Geothermal Projects
- Buranga Geothermal Power Station (100 MW) – Bundibugyo District.
- Katwe Geothermal Power Station (150 MW) – Kasese District.
Importance of Uganda’s Power Stations
The power stations in Uganda reflect the country’s strategy to expand electricity access, support industrial growth, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Hydropower remains dominant, but solar, biomass, and geothermal energy are critical for diversification and sustainability.
Major projects like Karuma (600 MW) and Ayago (880 MW) are set to transform Uganda into a power exporter within East Africa. With installed capacity surpassing 2,000 MW, Uganda is steadily moving toward universal electricity access.
