Costly, unsustainable dam on the White Nile opposed by local civil society organizations.
| Location |
Uganda
|
| Total Cost |
$800 million
|
| Funding |
$115 million, plus $245 million in guarantees
|
| Dates |
2007
–2010 |
| Status |
Active
|
The Bujagali Hydropower Project is one of a series of hydroelectric dams planned on the Ugandan portion of the White Nile River, and is touted by the Government of Uganda as the solution to the country’s persistent energy problems. The project was revived after it stalled in 2002 over corruption concerns and the private project sponsor withdrew from the project in 2004. With a new investor and continued commitment from the World Bank to support the project, despite persistent civil society concerns, the government of Uganda still expects to complete the dam’s construction in 2010. Local organizations have long objected to the project as unsuitable for the needs of Uganda and promote instead less costly and more sustainable alternatives to hydroelectric power.
BIC has worked with civil society organizations in Uganda and abroad to monitor the project’s development and encourage a more transparent, participatory and pro-poor approach to energy sector development in Uganda.