Gridworks today welcomed UK Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman, at the Mbarara South Substation to mark the official groundbreaking of the Amari transmission project. She was joined at the ceremony by Uganda’s Energy Minister Dr Monica Musenero, British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney and Gridworks CEO, Chris Flavin.
The ceremony marks the start of construction on what is Africa’s first privately financed electricity transmission project to reach financial close.
The US$50 million project is being invested in and delivered by Gridworks, the specialist grid investment company owned by British International Investment, the UK’s development finance institution. Developed in close partnership with the Government of Uganda and the Ugandan transmission utility (UETCL), Amari will upgrade the transforming capacity of four high-voltage substations at strategic locations on Uganda’s national grid. The project will improve the reliability and quality of electricity supply to industrial users, support the integration of additional generation capacity, reduce system losses and strengthen the country’s readiness for regional power trade.
Baroness Chapman’s participation in the ceremony highlights the strong partnership between Uganda and the United Kingdom in advancing sustainable infrastructure and mobilising investment for economic development. Amari demonstrates how public and private sector partners can work together to unlock investment in critical electricity infrastructure and accelerate grid development.
The project is expected to play an important role in enabling Uganda’s continued industrialisation and economic growth by strengthening the backbone of the national electricity grid and helping connect power generation to households and industry. Siemens Energy is serving as EPC contractor, with commissioning expected in 2028.
Chris Flavin, Chief Executive Officer of Gridworks, said:
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the transition from planning and partnership into delivery. Amari demonstrates what can be achieved when governments, utilities and investors work together towards a shared goal.”
Dr Monica Musenero, Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, said:
“The Amari Power Transmission Project is a landmark moment for Uganda’s energy sector. That the first independent power transmission project on the African continent is happening here, with British investment, reflects the strength of our partnership and Uganda’s commitment to clean, affordable energy for all.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa, British International Investment, said:
“British International Investment is committed to backing transformative, long-term infrastructure that powers economic growth and opportunity in Uganda. Through our platform Gridworks to support projects like the Amari Power Transmission Project, we are demonstrating how patient capital can unlock reliable energy, crowd in private investment, and deliver sustainable impact at scale.”
