12
Mar

On Thursday, March 12, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) hosted a delegation of senior officials from Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), led by the Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Richard Matsiko, engaged in strategic discussions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening cross-border power exchange between the two countries.

The meeting also explored practical and sustainable solutions to challenges currently affecting electricity exchange. Both parties emphasized that reliable and resilient infrastructure is critical to ensuring uninterrupted power supply, which is essential for socio-economic development—particularly for businesses and industrial sectors that rely on consistent electricity.

Participants further underscored that maintaining the stability of the shared Rwanda–Uganda transmission network is a collective responsibility. Strengthening this cooperation, they noted, will enhance confidence in regional electricity interconnection initiatives across East Africa.

REG Chief Executive Officer, Armand Zingiro, and UETCL CEO, Eng. Richard Matsiko, reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration between the two utilities to effectively address existing challenges in power transmission within both countries.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured the Shango Substation, where they were briefed on advanced technologies being deployed by Rwanda to enhance both domestic and cross-border electricity transmission. The substation is a critical component of Rwanda’s power network, serving as the primary interconnection point for the 220kV Mirama–Shango transmission line.

Rwanda is a member of the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP), a regional body established in 2005 to coordinate cross-border electricity trade and grid interconnection among Eastern African countries. The EAPP currently comprises 13 member states that have signed the Inter-Governmental Memorandum of Understanding (IGMOU).

In addition, Rwanda is also a member of the Central Africa Power Pool (PEAC/CAPP), a specialized agency of the Economic Community of Central African States, headquartered in Brazzaville, Congo. The organization promotes regional electricity interconnection, energy security, and cross-border power trade, while supporting the development of renewable energy and optimizing the use of existing power infrastructure.