A report by English engineer Sir Charles Redvers Westlake recommended the construction of Owen Falls Dam, near Jinja, in 1947. After consideration, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) was formed.
The construction of a dam at Owen Falls Dam, close to Jinja, was recommended by English engineer Sir Charles Redvers Westlake. This he did in a 1947 report to the Ugandan Colonial Government. After consideration, the Uganda Electricity Board (UEB) was created.
In Uganda, close to Jinja town, the Owen Falls was a waterfall on the White Nile. With the building of the Nalubaale Hydroelectric Power Station in 1954, the falls and the nearby Ripon falls were submerged.
The power station’s housing dam, formerly known as Owen Falls Dam, was later given the name Nalubaale Dam. The station itself changed its name from Owen Falls Power Station to Nalubaale Power Station.
Location of the Owen Falls Dam
The waterfalls were about 4 kilometres (downstream) north of the point where the River empties into Lake Victoria. It’s where we can now find Owen Falls Dam today known as The Nalubale Dam.
The old Owen Falls Power Station was made out of a close-coupled intake powerhouse unit and a concrete gravity dam. Ten turbines and six sluices in the dam are used to regulate the Lake Victoria outflows.
The six sluices have a total spill capacity of 1,200 cubic meters per second when fully opened.
The Owen Falls Dam generation capacity declined to 60 megawatts by 1986. This was a result of neglect and poor maintenance from 1971 to 1986.
This called for maintenance and rehabilitation, which included raising each turbine’s capacity from 15 to 18 megawatts. In 1996, the power plant’s generation capacity surpassed 180 megawatts.
A second powerhouse, part of the new project, is situated about one kilometre northeast of the Nalubaale Power Station. To get water from Lake Victoria to the new power plant, a new canal was cut. Construction commenced in 1999.
In 2000, the first power came online from two of the installed five units. 2007 saw the installation of the final and fifth turbine. A 40-megawatt capacity can be found in each turbine.
Today, the power plant is called Kiira Hydroelectric Power Station.
Tourist attractions and Activities at the Owen Falls Dam
Viewing the Waterfalls
The Owen Falls, provide a satisfying feeling of splashing waterfalls. This was and still is among the most beautiful spots in Jinja.
While here, tourists can spot fishermen emerging from boats and take pictures on all the rocks with a rod and hooks. Thousands of tourists and schoolchildren visit the Owen Falls dam every year.
By building the dam without considering the possibility of something going wrong, this natural fall was ruined. All of these waterfalls blocked the vista with splashing water that was between 400 and 500 feet wide and around 12 feet deep.
White Water Rafting The Nile Rapids
Tourists can go on two-day rafting trips that are organized by the best tourist companies in Kampala, Uganda. The water rapids appear mystical, and the weather is ideal all year long.
A full day of white water rafting on the River Nile spans a distance of around 21 kilometres past eight significant rapids and is best done in groups.
The water is quiet, transparent, and ideal for swimming in a few areas.
Kayak On The Nile River
One is exposed to the magnificent wildlife and beauty around the Nile by kayaking or canoeing on it. Everyone who signs up for the activity receives instructions.
They are instructions on how to row a boat, and safety measures in case of an accident while on the Nile. Everyone is also given helmets and life jackets, usually for free.
Quad Biking
Quad biking in Jinja means travelling along the Nile River and in some of the area’s most remote places on a four-wheeled motorcycle.
You will ride your bikes past little towns, woodlands, sugarcane plantations, and along stretches of the Nile river that are rarely visited.
Regardless of bike experience or not, anyone may participate in the incredibly adventurous quad biking adventure.
Bungee jumping
Bungee jumping is a popular activity where you plummet 43 meters into the air before partially submerging yourself in the water of the Nile at the Nile High Bungee.
It is a popular pastime for those who wish to push their adrenaline levels. Ugandans pay UGX 200,000 while for East Africans it’s $100 and Foreigners pay $115.
Sport fishing
Jinja City, home to the Owen Falls Dam, is one of the best locations in Uganda for sport fishing. This is because the River Nile and Lake Victoria run through it.
The huge Nile perch and the delectable tilapia are the most sought-after species to go fishing for.
Sport fishing is only permitted in specific areas, allowing fishermen to catch enormous species. The early morning and late evening are the best times to go fishing.
It is improper to fish indiscriminately or with outdated equipment. Only adult fish should be caught.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding around the dam is a popular activity. It’s a wonderful way to discover Uganda’s natural beauty.
Horseback riding is such an exciting activity because of the surrounding environment and the neighbourhood.
Spotting Animals
People come here to spot the famous crocodiles and hippos dozing off on the water. Another draw is watching the cattle travel down to the water to drink.
Additionally, along the Nile River’s beaches, birdwatchers have a good opportunity of seeing many of the many bird species.
Nile River Cruise
The ideal way to spend an evening at the source of the powerful river is on a tranquil Nile river tour in a private boat, canoe, or launch boat.
Here all the action happens in the comfort of the boat. Tourists can carry their cameras and capture some of the most people’s photos while on the cruise.
Owen Falls Dam images
Conclusion
Whether you want to visit Owen Falls Dam for the history part of it or the adventure part, it’s all possible. Some of the best adventures when on safari in Uganda happen in Jinja City.
Travel with your friends and family to discover this beautiful dam and how it was created. You can then decide on which activities to participate in, from quad biking, and swimming, to birding. Or, you may go for the more thrilling ones like white water rafting and bungee jumping.
Disclaimer: uegcl.com is credited with all photos.
