On 3rd July 2025, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) conducted a Public Hearing for an application submitted by Hydromax Nengo Bridge Limited seeking a generation license for the proposed 8.6MW Nengo Bridge Hydropower Project. The project is planned along River Mitaano, spanning Kyaburere Parish, Bugangari Sub-County, Rujumbura County in Rukungiri District, and Mashaku Parish, Nyamirama Sub-County, Kinkizi County West in Kanungu District.
The hearing was held at Katera Mpungu Full Gospel Church of Uganda with the objective of gathering views, concerns, and feedback from Project Affected Communities (PACs) to support ERA in making an informed licensing decision.
The session was chaired by the Secretary to the Authority, and moderated by the Director Corporate & Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and Principal Economist Pricing, Mr. Patrick Tutembe. In attendance were key stakeholders from Rukungiri and Kanungu Districts, including representatives from the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), LC III leaders, Gombolola Chiefs, GISOs, LC II and LC I chairpersons, host community members, religious leaders, and a representative from the Uganda Police.
The project developer, Mr. Godfrey Ssentumbwe, presented the technical design and outlined potential benefits of the hydropower project. These include:
- Rehabilitation of the existing road to improve transportation access.
- Creation of 250 job opportunities, with priority given to women and youth.
- Internship and training programs to facilitate knowledge transfer.
- Installation of a motorized borehole at the project’s powerhouse site.
During the hearing, LC I chairpersons of the affected communities raised several concerns, including:
- Compensation for individuals whose land or property will be affected.
- Construction of an interconnection bridge linking the two districts.
- Improvement of local health services.
- Clarification regarding Hydromax’s request for communities to allow road construction without compensation.
The LC III Chairperson urged the community to avoid politicizing the project and to maintain a neutral stance. He appealed to Hydromax to avoid delays in compensating landowners, noting past frustrations with previous developers. He also emphasized the need for a vehicle-accessible bridge, in addition to the one planned for bicycles and motorcycles.
ERA will consider the feedback gathered during the Public Hearing in its evaluation of Hydromax Nengo Bridge Limited’s application.