Hope as government is set  to connect West Nile to national grid

BY ALEX PITHUA

Resident District Commissioner Nebbi (RDC), Robert Abak has called on investors to make use of the available industrial park to set up their businesses as the West Nile region awaits connection to the national electricity grid.

Recently Uganda electricity Transmission company limited UETCL completed the works on the substations of Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua with all overhead transmission lines tested.

“We need to get ready to tap business opportunities which can attract foreign investors with this available electricity power and reduce unemployment rate in the region”, Abak said.

President Museveni will switch on the region to the national grid at Nebbi sub-station on the 3^rd August with hope to boost industrialization in the entire Northern Uganda.

“commissioning of the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission project which will connect West Nile to the grid. The Ministry of Energy, through UETCL, its implementing agency is committed to implementing the Vision 2040 and National Development Plan III through the completion of various power transmission projects which will ensure nationwide access to the national grid.”UETCL x

Nebbi district has secured over 500 acres of land at Ovoru in Nyaravur- Angal Town Council   for the industrial park with hope of the local investors to establish serious factories.

During the commissioning of the Nebbi industrial park in 2022, Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija and minister for privatization and investment Authority UIA Anite Evelyn and stakeholders observed that fish factories, honey, fruits cotton, coffee, fruits, clay making industries, Cassava factories and wineries will be pioneering here due to the available raw materials.  

Nebbi District Youth Chairperson Savor Rwothomio says, connecting West Nile to the national grid will pave the way for the young people to set up cottage industries urging the government to ensure funds are easily accessible at low interest rates.

This initiative will guarantee government, investors and donors to increase the level of employment in the region”, Rwothomio said.

The proprietor of Oyoma General Stores Ltd in Nebbi district, Bob Oyoma says, due to unstable and unreliable power from Nyagak hydro power, they were unable to meet the market demand hence losing billions in the business

Oyoma is the producer of wine with his factories in Parombo Town council. He employs several youth; both skilled and unskilled at his investment

“We shall take advantage of the national grid because we believe, quantities the factory will be producing will meet the demand of customers within and outside the countries.” Oyoma implored

Meanwhile in Zombo district the defunct Okoro Coffee factories has ceased hurling coffee due to inefficient electricity. The factory was serviced in 2022.