Kampala: Uganda encountered an uncommon nationwide electricity blackout lasting several hours on Friday, confirmed by the state-run power grid operator. The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) reported that electricity restoration efforts were underway, with gradual progress noted late in the afternoon.
The blackout coincided with the testing phase of a newly completed, Chinese-built $1.5 billion 600-megawatt hydropower plant situated on the Nile river in the country’s northern region, as announced by UETCL on X platform.
“Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited informs the general public that a national blackout has been registered following a load rejection test at the Karuma hydro power plant,” stated the company’s announcement on X platform on Friday.
Approximately two hours later, UETCL issued another update indicating partial restoration of the grid.
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Despite Uganda boasting an installed power generation capacity of 2,000 MW, according to the energy ministry, this unexpected blackout underscored the vulnerability of the nation’s power infrastructure. While Uganda generates surplus power compared to its consumption, efforts have been underway to explore avenues for exporting excess electricity to neighboring countries like South Sudan and Kenya.
