Permanent secretary Irene Pauline Batibe, Director of Energy, English Emmanuel Nsubuga Sande explained that while previous studies conducted by the China-Africa Investment Development Company provided raw data, they did not take into account critical technical and environmental requirements. The new study focuses on determining whether a conventional ground-based power plant or an underground configuration should be used. Nsubuga noted that under Uganda's Hydropower Master Plan, preference is being given to the latter option due to the flood-prone plains, citing as a precedent the successful reconstruction of the Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station.
The evaluation will also cover the optimisation of dam layout, seismic activity, hydrology and transmission infrastructure. To ensure the reliability of the power grid, Nsubuga emphasized the need to use multiple evacuation lines to prevent transmission outages that were previously seen at Karuma and Olwiyo substations.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankakirwa Ssentamu highlighted the urgency of the project, noting that Uganda's peak electricity demand exceeded 1,337 megawatts in February 2026 with a reliable capacity of about 1,450 megawatts. The minister warned that with a projected deficit of 146.9 megawatts by 2026/27 and 217.4 megawatts by 2027/28, delays could lead to capacity rationing and dependence on expensive heat. Growing demand is driven by industrial growth, regional exports and investment in new data centers.
State Energy Minister Sidronius Okaasai Oplot urged consultants to exceed the initial target of 400 megawatts, suggesting that the capacity should exceed 600 megawatts. He also emphasized that energy development must be combined with the protection of tourism and biodiversity in the Merchison ecosystem.
The study is being conducted by Italian firm SERING Ingegneria Srl and Iranian specialists Avan Pajouh Consulting Engineers. Soleyman Emami, Aban Pazhouh's chief engineer, confirmed that the team is working in a fast-track mode to balance electricity generation with environmental conservation.
The Ministry of Energy formed an inter-agency committee comprising the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the National Environmental Protection Agency and state-owned electricity companies to oversee the 18-month study. The findings will serve as the basis for the development of the Kiba project, as well as future Ayago and Oryang projects, as Uganda aims to achieve its goal of 52,000 megawatts of generating capacity by 2040 and universal access to electricity by 2032.
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