By Aggrey Baba
Uganda’s hopes for cheap and reliable electricity are fading fast. The over UGX 2 trillion Isimba Dam, once celebrated as a major achievement, is today struggling with major defects as investigations reveal massive shoddy work. The IGG has promised tough action against all those who betrayed the nation.
The Isimba Dam, which cost taxpayers about UGX 2.1 trillion (USD 567 million), is falling apart just six years after it was commissioned with drums and ululations in March 2019.
Yesterday, the IGG, Hon. Betty Olive Namisango Kamya, came out spitting fire, promising to arrest all those who ate money and left Ugandans with a leaking dam.
Sources reveal that when Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL) officially took over the dam in 2019, they found many defects, like cracks, leaks, and faulty machines, things that should never happen in a brand-new project of such size.
It is alleged that Chinese contractors from China International Water and Electric Corporation (CWE), together with some Ugandan engineers and supervisors, turned the dam into a cash bonanza.
Proper checks were skipped, substandard materials were used, and big people signed off fake reports.
The mess exploded in 2022 when water flooded parts of the dam, causing blackouts and heavy losses. Since then, the dam has reportedly been operating on half-capacity, while Ugandans continue footing heavy electricity bills.
Up to now, the Ministry of Energy and UEGCL have refused to release the full audit report, but insiders say fixing the dam may cost even more billions, money Uganda does not have.
Experts warn that if the government does not act fast, Isimba will become another white elephant, a broken investment, swallowed by corruption.
Meanwhile, ordinary Ugandans are left asking: Who bewitched our projects? Why must we always lose when big money is involved
The IGG’s office has promised not only arrests but also full recovery of the stolen funds. [We are coming for them, whether they are big or small].
With billions lost and power still unreliable, Isimba Dam risks becoming a national shame, and unless the thieves behind this mess are jailed and made to pay, Uganda will continue to sink deeper into the swamp of corruption. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
