By Mulengera Reporters
Parliament has been warned that unresolved defects at the Isimba Hydropower Dam in Kayunga District could lead to its failure, posing a catastrophic threat to surrounding communities.
The warning was issued by Harrison Mutikanga, Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), on February 19, 2025, while appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. Mutikanga was summoned to respond to concerns raised by MPs regarding the poor quality of work at the dam.
“If we continue to delay, there is a risk of backward erosion extending to the foundation of the dam, which could lead to dam failure. A failure would be catastrophic, especially for communities downstream. Beyond the human impact, the economic loss to the country would be significant,” Mutikanga cautioned.
Defects Discovered
UEGCL informed the committee that routine safety inspections using divers and underwater cameras had identified defects in the spillway. However, despite discovering these defects in 2022, the contractor, China International Water and Electricity Corporation, has yet to undertake any remedial work.
“Our concern is that recent underwater inspections reveal that the concrete forming part of the spillway continues to degrade. Additionally, sections of the riverbed are undergoing scarring, a form of erosion,” Mutikanga explained.
Urgent Action
Committee Chairperson Herbert Ariko criticized the contractor for failing to provide a concrete plan to address at least 300 defects plaguing the dam. He warned that Uganda’s investment of $567 million (UGX 2.076 trillion) was at risk.
“MPs were deeply concerned by the lack of a structured, well-thought-out plan to correct these defects. We also noted disharmony between the Owner’s Engineer—who represents the government—and the contractor. The contractor failed to assure MPs that steps were being taken to safeguard this critical project,” Ariko stated.
Ariko further detailed findings from the committee’s oversight visit to Isimba Dam on February 10, 2025. “From both presentations and on-site observations, we confirmed major issues with the main spillway. Given that electricity is a cornerstone of the National Development Plan IV, we cannot afford to let such a flagship project fail.”
Structural Failures
The committee’s visit was prompted by concerns raised during the review of the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, which highlighted operational, structural, and technical challenges at Isimba.
“Testimonies before the committee indicated serious structural integrity problems with the main spillway and embankments on both sides of the dam. Our visit was necessary to assess these issues firsthand and establish the reasons behind the delays, causes of defects, and the contractor’s performance,” Ariko explained.
He added that the committee was alarmed that within just four years of commissioning, the dam was already experiencing significant structural defects—not due to wear and tear but because of poor workmanship.
Calls for Accountability
Minister of State for Energy Okasaai Opolot commended the committee for its efforts in resolving the impasse at Isimba.
“We need to ensure that this dam delivers value for money and serves its full lifespan of at least 100 years. Many dams last beyond a century, but let’s start with securing the first 100 years,” Opolot stated.
Delayed Repairs
UEGCL revealed that an emergency repair schedule had been agreed upon between the government and the contractor. Phase one, which involved partial repairs, was implemented, but progress stalled at phase two. This phase required a river diversion to facilitate dry inspections and assess the full extent of the damage before comprehensive repairs could begin.
Phase three, which involves physical model testing to determine the root cause of the defects and evaluate whether an additional spillway is needed, is still underway. However, MPs warned that continued delays could have devastating consequences.
Parliament now awaits a firm commitment from the contractor on immediate remedial actions to prevent a potential disaster at Isimba Dam-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
