As part of the Water Storage and Hydropower Development for Africa Conference 2025, a high-level delegation from the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) visited the Bui Generating Station, on July 12, 2025. The visit aimed to foster regional collaboration, technical exchange, and shared innovation in sustainable power generation.
Leading the delegation, Ing. Proscovia M. Nkuji, Board Chairperson of UEGCL, expressed deep appreciation for the warm welcome and the wealth of technical insights gained during the visit. The tour included the 404MW Hydroelectric Dam, the 5MWp Floating Solar PV installation, and the 50MW Land-based Solar Farm—part of the larger 250MW project. She highlighted the strong parallels between the two institutions, saying, “We have a lot in common with Bui Power Authority, and this gives us great hope for mutually beneficial exchanges. The skills and innovation we’ve seen here are impressive and reassuring.”
The UEGCL team was particularly struck by BPA’s remarkable strides in solar power development. They were especially impressed by the innovative 5MWp Floating Solar Plant on the Bui Reservoir — the first of its kind in the sub-region — which is currently undergoing expansion. The visitors commended the Authority for boldly embracing hybrid solutions to energy challenges and for positioning itself as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation.
Dr. Muzafalu Kayonde, Head of Research and Business at UEGCL, remarked: “BPA’s solar initiatives, especially the floating solar project, are eye-opening. We have done a lot of research back home, but this is a practical demonstration of what is possible. This visit has shown us new ways to integrate solar into hydropower systems, especially as we look for sustainable ways to manage increasing water levels. We intend to adopt lessons learned here and, in turn, invite BPA to see what we’re doing as well.”
UEGCL, which operates the Nalubaale (Owen Falls), Kiira, and Karuma Hydropower plants, and recently commissioned the 600MW Karuma and 183MW Isimba projects, is also involved in upcoming projects like Muzizi and Nyagak III.
Ing. Kwaku Akosa, Director of Engineering Services, BPA, affirmed the Authority’s eagerness to collaborate. “We identified a great opportunity for cooperation with UEGCL, particularly in dam operations and hydro-solar integration. Through our existing Memorandum of Understanding, we plan to exchange engineers and technical staff for shared learning. The future of energy is hybrid, and through collaboration like this, we all stand to benefit.”
The visit was a key highlight of the 2025 Conference and underscored the growing importance of cross-country partnerships in Africa’s clean energy transition. BPA’s innovative projects and UEGCL’s strategic interest in hybrid solutions mark a promising path forward for sustainable development on the continent.
