Electricity crisis frustrating investments in West Nile -Leaders

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Political, civil and cultural leaders in West Nile, Acholi and Lango regions have tasked the government to improve electricity coverage as a way of promoting a conducive investment environment.

West Nile region currently has 7.5 megawatts of hydroelectricity, which can only manage small scale industries like welding and metal fabrication. The limited power supply is mainly because Nyagak power dam, operated by the West Nile Rural Electrification Company-WENRECO, was producing less power due to the low water levels in Nyagak River.

But participants at the ongoing West Nile Investment Symposium have decried the inadequate and erratic power supply in the region which has lasted more than three decades.

Specialists say that various water sources from the many rivers in the West Nile make its agricultural sector a gold mine. The region is also endowed with many natural resources ranging from minerals to oil and a number of attractions that would be used to boost the tourism and hospitality industry in West Nile.

But participants at the investment symposium argue that although the location of West Nile gives it a niche as a regional food basket and trading hub, a number of would-be investors have been frustrated because they hardly operate without power.

The Germany-Uganda Investment Symposium seeks to address the investment challenges in West Nile and greater north by empowering Women, Youth and Business Entrepreneurs to engage in the export promotion of agricultural products.

The Investment Symposium, the first of its kind in the region being held under the Theme: Rebranding northern Uganda and Africa’s Upper Nile Valley. It is aimed at re-branding Africa’s Upper Nile Valley from its dark history and shows the vibrant business and development that is happening in the area.

About three months ago, the Energy and Mineral Developments Ministry announced that it had increased the supply of thermal energy to 8 megawatts to help address the intermittent power supply in West Nile.  The move came after the government contracted ElectroMaxx, a thermal power generation company to shift one of its generators in Tororo to Arua to provide the additional power to the West Nile region.

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