LIVE UPDATES: Museveni commissions Bujagali Dam

EAT17:15: However, the President says, Uganda could witness loadshedding within the next two years unless other electricity projects are initiated. He asks Bujagali Energy consortium to consider other projects. He also asks the Aga Khan to get him investors who will add value to Uganda’s produce.

EAT17:20: The President formally commissions the project. “It’s now my pleasure to declare commissioned the Bujagali Hydro Power Project,” he says, while unveiling a plaque to symbolise the commissioning.

EAT 17:28: some guests start leaving the venue as the National Anthem is played to mark the end of the event.

EAT 17:11: President Museveni says external funding is not reliable, and that with the energy fund, Uganda will not be at the whims of foreign funders.
He says he is “going to study factors behind the delay of Karuma.” Museveni adds that with the country more peaceful and with more electricity, Uganda’s growth rate would head north.

EAT 17:01: Women clad in yellow gomesis ululate as President Museveni steps forward to make his speech. “Abantu bano mbafunyemu akasente,” the president says.
Museveni says that the Libya of Gadaffi had some electricity before he – Gadaffi – was killed by Western countries. He says there is no modern life without electricity, and that people who don’t develop electricity should be taken to the ICC because people die due to lack of electricity.

EAT 16:53: The Aga Khan starts giving his speech. He says this occasion is of great significance, and is an inspiring model on how such change can be achieved.
The Aga Khan acknowledges the community around the project, the scientists and engineers, as well as the government of President Museveni. He says Bujagali is a Ugandan success story. He says the project won’t stop delivering electricity but would continue to improve on the lives of the community.

EAT 16:48: Energy Minister, Irene Muloni, steps forward to invite the Aga Khan. She says “the commissioning is one of the best gifts we have received as a country.”
Ms Muloni says the ministry has won an award for promoting the Bujagali Project, and that the ministry would collect the award from the London Stock Exchange in December.

EAT 16:45: Claude Periou, the CEO of PROPARCO, says Bujagali is the kind of progress “we should all be proud of.” He says Bujagali will serve as a model in other countries. Mr Periou says time was needed to complete the project and the project learned is that partnerships are important.

EAT 16:41: David Foley, the CEO of Blackstone Energy Partners, says with the formal commissioning Uganda can enjoy independence with electricity. He says that without the Aga Khan, Bujagali would not be what it is. Foley says families no longer have to worry about food going bad in their fridges.

EAT 16:31: He says this is the largest independent private project in Sub Saharan Africa. Nizar says he is glad to return to his country of birth, Uganda.
Nizar adds that President Museveni’s vision guided them to complete their project on schedule and on budget, whilst adhering to stringent environmental standards. He adds that 3000 people worked on the project, which consumed a total of $902 million.

EAT 16:25: Mr Nizar Juma, the Chairman of Bujagali Energy Ltd, is now delivering his speech. He says he is now honored to welcome the guests.

EAT 16:20: St Peter’s Primary School now singing a congratulatory song. The pupils, in navy blue dresses and sky blue blouses extol the president and the Aga Khan. Eng. D’Ujanga walks to the front, perhaps to tell the pupils not to spend so much time on stage.

EAT 16:14: The Aga Khan is standing next to President Museveni, on his left. Bishop Kyomya of Busoga Diocese (CoU) walks to the front to deliver the opening prayer. He prays that the dam fosters Uganda’s development. Guests take their seats.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and Tanzania are all represented. Tanzania is represented by the country’s Vice President Mohamed Gharib Bilal.

EAT 16:10: President Museveni, flanked by the First Lady, arrives. They are given a standing ovation. South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Burundi leader Pierre Nkurunziza also arrive. The Uganda Police Band plays the National Anthem.

EAT 16:08: The Prime Minister, Amama Mbabazi, peruses a copy of the Daily Monitor. Nation Media Group Chairman Wilfred Kiboro is also present.

EAT 15: 55: Master of ceremonies, Eng. Simon D’Ujanga takes stage. He says the president and the Aga Khan “arrived earlier” but have been touring the complex.
Interlude of jazz music plays to help guests. It’s hot inside the tent, and some guests are using booklets to fan themselves. Heavy army trucks are driving around the dam.

EAT 15:45: As they wait, it’s time to ponder about the next project elsewhere for Musa Kakaire, who was working as a “fitter” of mechanical parts at the dam. He says: “My services are no longer needed here now that the project is complete. I have begun looking for a job elsewhere.”