The French Development Agency- Agence Française de Développement (AFD) has committed Euro 1.5 million (just over UGX 6 billion) to go towards preparation of feasibility studies for development of small hydro power plants in the West Nile Region of Uganda.
West Nile was particularly selected because it plays host to refugees from South Sudan and DR Congo. “The mini-hydroplants will contribute to the improvement of the isolated power grid system in the region and enhance access to electricity for the population, being local communities or refugees,” The Agency said in a statement.
Signing the agreement on behalf of the French government, the French Ambassador in Uganda Ms. Stephanie Rivoal said the funds will support preparation for mini-hydroplants with positive impact on the climate, in line with Uganda Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP).
She said, “The preparation of such a project reflects the consistency of commitments from both France and Uganda, in the fight against climate change, symbolized by AFD’s slogan “a World in Common.”
She said the AFD has more than doubled its commitments over the last three years in uganda. The agency committed 73 million Euros in 2015 and 121.5 million Euros in 2016 and so far 150M€ in 2017 to support Uganda’s sustainable and equitable development with a focus on: infrastructure including water, sanitation and energy; environment and climate change; and the private sector development.
In Uganda, the AFD has been supporting diverse projects anticipated to have impacts on climate and the local population including; improving water supply and sanitation systems in urban and rural areas; new hydropower plants; promoting energy efficient solutions and preserving biodiversity.
