Bujagali HPP, Buikwe District, 15 August 2025: The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) paid a courtesy visit to the 250MW Bujagali Hydropower Plant (BHPP). She was received by the General Manager of Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL), Mr. Alastair McDougall, and other company representatives.
Mr. McDougall expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s continued support, particularly in securing the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) waiver, which he described as critical to keeping generation tariffs affordable. He noted that since its commissioning in 2012, Bujagali has saved the Government an average of USD 9 million per month. BEL is also one of the few plants enrolled under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), contributing USD 1.4 million to government through the Emission Reduction Project.
He highlighted BEL’s ongoing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which promote health, education, and environmental sustainability in host communities. However, he raised concerns over the rising water levels of Lake Victoria, persistent public misconceptions regarding tariffs, and risks posed by the ageing Nalubaale-Kiira Complex, which could affect downstream operations.
In response, the PS commended BEL for moving operations and maintenance in-house, achieving up to 99.5% availability, and employing over 95% Ugandan staff, thereby enhancing local expertise. She acknowledged the demand challenges but reassured BEL that, according to projections from the National Control Centre, demand is steadily growing due to government interventions. She further noted that the Ministry will soon commence rehabilitation works at Nalubaale-Kiira, which will safeguard downstream plants.
The PS was accompanied by Mr. Herbert Kato, Senior Energy Officer, and Mr. Raymond Natukunda, Energy Officer, both from the Electrical Generation Division of the Electrical Power Department.
