Uganda’s First Independent Transmission Project Moves into Construction Phase

Kampala | 4 February 2026 — Gridworks and the Government of Uganda have signed two landmark agreements that will enable Gridworks’ Amari Power Transmission (“Amari”) project to begin construction in the coming weeks.

Amari has entered into an Implementation Agreement with the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and a Transmission Services Agreement with national transmission utility, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL). The progress of the Amari Project is a major milestone for Uganda’s electricity sector, and for the adoption of private sector funding models for transmission infrastructure in Africa. Amari will be the first independent transmission project (ITP) on the continent to move into the construction phase.

Amari is a US$50 million ITP that will upgrade the transforming capacity of four high voltage electricity substations at key points on Uganda’s grid. It will improve the supply of electricity to industrial users in line with the Government of Uganda plans to improve the competitiveness of its industry, particularly the manufacturing sector. Amari will also allow the uptake of more renewable energy onto the grid and provide capacity to support future regional interconnection with Uganda’s neighbours.

Once completed, the project will support Uganda’s growing electricity demand, enable the evacuation of current and future generation capacity, and contribute to lower system losses and improved power quality across the network. The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities during construction. As a pilot for private sector transmission in Uganda, the project has supported the creation by the Government of a regulatory framework equipped to attract finance for future grid investment.

Gridworks’ Chief Executive Officer, Chris Flavin, welcomed the strong partnership with the Government of Uganda:

“This is a decisive step that will allow the Amari Transmission Project to move into construction. We are particularly grateful for the leadership, foresight, and constructive engagement shown by the Government of Uganda in bringing this project to this stage.”

He added:

“By prioritising strategic transmission infrastructure, the Government is laying the foundations for reliable power supply, industrial growth, and long-term economic development. We now look forward to starting construction in the coming weeks and to delivering this important project.”

There is a growing trend of African governments beginning to work with the private sector to develop and fund critical electricity grid infrastructure. Several countries have initiated private transmission projects or regulatory reforms designed to allow private finance to flow into the sector.

Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, underscored the strategic importance of the project and the government’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the national grid:

“The Amari Power Transmission Project is a strategic pillar within our long-term agenda to modernise and future-proof Uganda’s national electricity network. By strengthening transmission infrastructure, we are enabling reliable power supply for industrial growth, regional power trade, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. Our partnership with Gridworks reflects our commitment to mobilising sustainable private capital and expertise to accelerate delivery of priority energy investments. We remain focused on ensuring timely implementation so that this infrastructure catalyses investment, enhances system resilience, and supports Uganda’s journey toward middle-income status.”

Richard Matsiko, CEO of UETCL, added:

“As UETCL, we view this partnership as strategic and transformative and we look forward to the effective implementation and tangible improvements to the national grid.”

The Amari project will upgrade four high voltage electricity substations at:

• Tororo 220kV station, in eastern Uganda, close to the Kenyan border
• Nkenda 132kV station, in the west, at the intended high voltage interconnection point to DRC
• Mbarara North 132kV station
• Mbarara South 220kV station, in western Uganda

Gridworks has a portfolio of further ITP projects in development, including Chimuara–Nacala (Phase II & III), a US$450 million, 460 km high voltage transmission line connecting central and northern regions of Mozambique; and Mbale–Bulambuli, a project building 80 km of high-voltage lines and two new substations in eastern Uganda.

Earlier this week, Gridworks announced an agreement with the Ethiopian government to develop two large-scale transmission projects, Degehabur–Kebridehar and Hurso–Ayisha, covering over 400 km and with a combined value of around US$400 million. The Gridworks portfolio also includes Moyi Power, a greenfield, solar-powered utility that will provide electricity to a million people in three cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and distributed utility companies Sustainable Power Solutions and Anzana Electric Group.