Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station, also known as Owen Falls Dam, is a hydroelectric power plant in Uganda near Lake Victoria, the source of the White Nile.
The Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station, also formerly known as Owen Falls Dam, is a hydroelectric power plant. It’s located in Uganda close to the White Nile’s source at Lake Victoria.
Indeed there’s a story behind the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station. A story that we can’t wait to share.
A Brief History of the Nalubaale Power Station
A natural rock dam on the lake’s northern shore served as a water level regulator for Lake Victoria before the dam was built.
Rising lake levels would cause the natural dam to collapse. This would cause water to spill into the White Nile, which travels through Egypt, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. Water flow into the river ended as water levels fell too low.
An English engineer named Charles Redvers Westlake recommended building a hydroelectric dam at Owen Falls. It was to be close to the city of Jinja. This, he suggested in a 1947 study to the Colonial Government of Uganda.
As a result, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) was established, with Westlake serving as its inaugural chairman. A pact between Uganda and Egypt guaranteed that the dam wouldn’t change the Nile’s normal flow.
Sir Alexander Gibb & Partners were to be the project’s engineering consultant. During the challenging post-war period, 80,000 tons of construction and plant materials—including 36,000 tons of cement—were exported out of Europe.
From Mombasa to Jinja, it was a distance of 1,200 kilometers (750 miles). In 1954, the dam was finished three years ahead of schedule, burying Ripon Falls.
As a result, Uganda and several of the neighboring countries of Kenya and Tanzania were supplied with electricity. However, during the Idi Amin administration, the station’s upkeep and availability drastically decreased.
The Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station has a 180-megawatt rating (MW). It was initially intended to be powered by 10 15 MW turbines, for a total of 150 MW. To fix the wear and tear that had accumulated over a decade of civil unrest, the station underwent renovation in the 1990s.
The generators’ output power was raised during the repairs. This increased the Nalubaale Power Complex’s production capacity to 180 MW.
Construction of a second power plant
Work on the Owen Falls Extension project, a second power plant began in 1993. It is approximately one kilometer from the 1954 power plant.
To get water from Lake Victoria to the new powerhouse, a new power canal had to be cut. The project’s main construction was finished in 1999. Immediately, two units started producing power for the project in 2000.
Four of the five hydroelectric turbine generators that could fit in the extension were in place as of 2001. The extension’s units each have a 40-megawatt capacity.
The Kiira Power Station was the name given to the extension during the official opening ceremony in 2003. The extension project was designed and managed by Acres International of Canada, currently known as Hatch Limited.
As a contractor, ESKOM Uganda runs the Nalubaale Power Station. The stations’ intakes are routinely cleaned of trash and water hyacinth. Between 2007 and 2012, a 250 MW Bujagali Hydroelectric Power Station was built further downstream.
Tourist Places near Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station
The Mabira Forest
One of Uganda’s largest remaining tropical rainforests is the Mabira Forest. Unfortunately, due to urbanization and human activity, a substantial portion of it has been destroyed. Although it has shrunk from its former extent, those who enjoy the outdoors can still engage in thrilling adventures there.
Along your way to Jinja district, is where you’ll find Mabira. Camping, bird viewing, and nature walks are the major pursuits in Mabira Forest.
A Visit To the Ssezibwa Falls
The Ssezibwa Falls are located in the Kayunga district, which is a great detour from Jinja to Kampala. They are among the locations that truly mark Uganda as an African pearl.
Visitors have a fantastic opportunity to travel to the Ssezibwa falls for an incredible cultural experience. The local legend claims that a woman became pregnant and gave birth to water rather than children.
River Ssezibwa was one of the two directions in which the water flowed. The river and waterfalls are treasured in the Buganda kingdom, and many of its former monarchs would go there to receive blessings or make sacrifices.
Thousands of Ugandans still visit one of the most potent shrines in the area today to receive blessings from the local spirits.
The Source of the Nile
The Nile’s journey to North Africa begins in Jinja. This was proven in 1858 when John Speke found that Jinja was the location of the Nile’s source. There is a marker In the valley where the water exits Lake Victoria before spreading out and becoming the River Nile.
On one of the trips to the Nile’s source, tourists stand on a cluster of rocks to get a distant view of the watermark. Others may be able to travel by boat to the Nile’s true source, but this will depend on the tides or the amount of water there.
Tourist Activities in the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station Area
Bungee jumping
For this activity, a 44-meter-high cliff tower was built along the Nile’s shoreline. People get to jump into the water while holding a rope around their feet or legs without risk.
Travelers enjoy the terrifying yet exhilarating experience since it is a method to display courage.
Horseback Riding
Horse riding can be so much fun when done in the beautiful city of Jinja. The activity normally takes between 1 to 3 hours. Participants can explore the rural communities, the river Nile and the beautiful landscape surrounding it.
In all this, you’ll be guided by an experienced Guide who knows all the routes.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Canoeing on the Nile at a relaxed pace is part of this pastime. For a full day of activities, the experience costs roughly $125. The extraordinary wildlife and environment that surround the Nile are both visible from a canoe on the river.
Those who reserve the activity are always provided with instructions, fundamental boat-rowing techniques, and safety measures in case of a sailing incident.
Conclusion
Visit the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station the next time you’re in Jinja. It will be worth it. Not only will you see the Power plant, but you’ll get a chance to see other attractions within the same area.
