MBARARA, Uganda — Uganda has officially launched construction of the Amari Power Transmission Project, marking a historic milestone as Africa’s first Independent Transmission Project (ITP) to reach financial close and enter the construction phase.
The groundbreaking ceremony was held in Mbarara on Thursday and was hosted by the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). The project is expected to transform Uganda’s electricity transmission network while creating a new model for financing power infrastructure across Africa.
The event was attended by Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Monica Musenero, and the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, alongside government officials, development partners and representatives from the energy sector.
Valued at US$50 million, the Amari Power Transmission Project will strengthen Uganda’s national electricity grid through major upgrades at four strategic substations. These include the Tororo 220kV, Nkenda 132kV, Mbarara North 132kV, and Mbarara South 220kV substations.
The upgrades are expected to improve electricity reliability and quality, particularly for industries and manufacturers that depend on stable power supplies. The project will also prepare Uganda’s transmission network for additional electricity generation, including renewable energy, while supporting regional electricity trade and reducing transmission losses.
The project is being developed by Gridworks, a specialist transmission and distribution developer owned by British International Investment, in partnership with the Government of Uganda and UETCL.
The groundbreaking follows a series of milestones achieved earlier this year. In February, Gridworks signed an Implementation Agreement with Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and a Transmission Services Agreement with UETCL, paving the way for the project to become the first Independent Transmission Project in Africa to reach construction after achieving financial close.
Siemens Energy has been appointed as the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor, with commissioning of the upgraded infrastructure expected in 2028.
Gridworks Chief Executive Officer Chris Flavin described the achievement as a breakthrough for infrastructure financing on the continent.
He said the Amari project demonstrates how governments and private investors can work together to unlock capital for critical electricity infrastructure, adding that the project is expected to become a model for similar transmission investments across Africa.
The Lisa Chesney also welcomed the milestone, saying the United Kingdom was proud to support a project that would strengthen Uganda’s electricity infrastructure, improve industrial competitiveness and contribute to long term economic growth.
Meanwhile, Chris Chijiutomi said the innovative financing approach pioneered by Amari could open the door for more privately financed transmission projects across the continent.
Beyond Uganda, Gridworks is developing similar electricity transmission investments in Mozambique, Ethiopia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reflecting growing efforts to modernize Africa’s power infrastructure.
The Amari project is also expected to generate employment during construction while enhancing Uganda’s capacity to meet rising electricity demand. By introducing private investment into transmission infrastructure, it offers a new financing model that could reduce reliance on public borrowing and accelerate delivery of critical energy projects.
As construction officially begins, the Amari Power Transmission Project is expected to play a central role in strengthening Uganda’s electricity grid and positioning the country as a pioneer in innovative power transmission financing across Africa.
