People in Kamwenge District will get electricity for the first time after Africa Energy Management systems (EMS) sets up a $23 million small hydro power plant at River Mpanga.

The project manager, VS Hydro Ltd, Mr Kariyawasam K.W, whose company was contracted by EMS to set up the power plant at Mpanga Gorge, told the press on Monday that Africa EMS has responded to the government's call to invest in small hydro power schemes in Uganda.

The site is located in Nyabani Sub-county, Kibaale County in Kamwenge District. Mr Kariyawasam said the project will be completed by the end of April next year and the plant will generate about 18MW of electricity for Kamwenge area.

The LC5 boss, Mr Edward Musingye, said the project will improve the socio-economic setup of Kamwenge in terms of providing employment for the youth.

President Museveni's 2006 manifesto emphasises the development of small-hydro power stations on potential sites in different places to supply rural communities where the demand is unlimited.