Engineer’s experience on Isimba

KAMPALA. Ms Sandra Matty Kajumba, 27, an electrical engineer and graduate of Makerere University, is among the 26 young Ugandans who will manage and maintain Isimba Hydroelectric Dam being commissioned today.
Ms Kajumba and 25 others, who have been at the dam for the past two- and-half years, have attained training in dam maintenance from Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre in Zambia and the Three Gorge in China owned by China Water and Electric company, whose governance and excitation systems [the system which is used for providing the necessary field current to the rotor winding of the synchronous machine,] are a replica of Isimba dam.
During this period, Ms Kajumba says they have been involved in the installation of all equipment at the dam right from the tinniest sensor to the complex.

Involvement
“Besides that, we have been involved in the acceptance test of machines such as transformers, turbines, among others, from the manufactures before they are shipped to Uganda,” she says.
Ms Kajumba says there is still stereotyping in the field but she credits her employers; Uganda Electricity Generating Company Limited for the efforts and support towards female engineers.
“The company accords similar opportunities to both male and females besides creating an enabling environment for women,” Kajumba says. Although the field is challenging, the mother of one says, “it is interesting with vast opportunities for ambitious ladies.
She advises aspiring electrical engineers to be focused. “At school or work, it doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman, your goal should be to complete an assigned task.