Uganda plans to import 1,000 electricity transformers
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Observer
Uganda’s state electricity distributor UEDCL plans to import at least 1,000 transformers over the next three months to reduce shortages. Its procurement head says local manufacturers, despite more than 104 billion shillings committed, have failed to meet demand, according to The Observer.
UEDCL, Uganda’s state electricity distributor, plans to import at least 1,000 transformers over the next three months after local manufacturers failed to meet demand. The company has 104 billion Ugandan shillings committed to local producers that cannot supply the required equipment, according to Innocent Byamukama, UEDCL’s head of procurement.
UEDCL’s customer base has increased by 70% in five years, from about 1.5 million to 2.8 million subscribers, according to Joselynne Rwabwogo Rwakakooko, the company’s acting managing director. In Greater Kampala, electricity demand has increased by more than 60%, including 20% in the past year alone, driven by the expansion of residential areas, businesses and factories.
Some lines and transformers are now operating beyond their intended capacity, causing voltage fluctuations, according to Rwabwogo. She said UEDCL was implementing short-, medium- and long-term measures to improve the reliability of supply.
