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Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station (Uganda)

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The Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station is the largest energy project in Uganda's history, situated at the Karuma Falls on the Victoria Nile. Boasting an installed capacity of 600 megawatts, the facility is designed to nearly double the country's total power generation capacity. A key engineering feature is its extensive underground design, which was implemented to minimize the environmental footprint on the nearby Murchison Falls National Park. Construction commenced in 2013, primarily funded by loans from the Export-Import Bank of China and built by Sinohydro Corporation. Karuma operates as a run-of-the-river plant, harnessing the immense flow of the Nile at this point without the need for a massive reservoir. Upon full operation, it is set to provide low-cost electricity to power Uganda's industrial sector and enable regional energy exports to neighbors like South Sudan and Kenya. The project also includes the construction of major transmission lines that will strengthen the power grid in Northern Uganda, stimulating regional economic growth.

Location: Uganda
Top sights: Kampala-Gulu Highway · Karuma Falls · New Karuma Bridge
Nearby: Oyam (31 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	28	27	25	24	24	24	24	24	24	24	25
Rain mm	27	33	87	107	102	69	75	106	132	151	111	55

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station is Uganda's largest hydroelectric plant on the Nile. It has significantly increased the country's power generation capacity and secures energy supply for industry and households.

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Visiting

The power station itself is a secured area and not open to the public. From the surrounding hills, however, the dam and turbine houses are clearly visible from a distance.

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Where to view it

An excellent viewpoint is the bridge over the Nile downstream of the power station. From here you get a direct view of the water outlets and the imposing architecture of the facility.

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Local products

Electricity is not sold directly, but the region benefits from a more stable power supply. In the surrounding villages, local handicrafts such as pottery and textiles are offered, boosted by electrification.

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Active season

The power station runs all year, with maximum output during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to December. During the dry season, power generation may decrease slightly due to lower water levels.

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Nearby

The power station is located near Murchison Falls National Park, one of Uganda's most famous protected areas. A visit can be combined with a safari or a boat trip to Murchison Falls.

Geography

Coordinates

2.23890, 32.24610

Facts

Uganda's largest hydroelectric plant with 600 MW capacity
Features extensive underground tunnels to protect local wildlife
Funded 85% by a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China
Located at Karuma Falls on the Victoria Nile in Northern Uganda
Construction began in August 2013 by Sinohydro Corporation
Supports regional power trade with South Sudan and Kenya

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Karuma Bridge<1 km · NExplore →

Karuma Falls6 km · SWExplore →

Oyam31 km · NEExplore →

Victoria Nile36 km · NWExplore →

Murchison Falls National Park49 km · SExplore →

Gulu50 km · EExplore →

Lake Gulu53 km · EExplore →

Murchison Falls63 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station (3)

Kampala-Gulu Highway📍 landmark

Major road in Uganda, connecting the capital Kampala with the northern city of Gulu.

Karuma Falls📍 landmark

Waterfall on the Victoria Nile in Uganda, site of a large hydroelectric power station.

New Karuma Bridge📍 landmark

Modern road bridge over the Victoria Nile near Karuma Falls, part of the highway.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Karuma Hydropower Station?

It is one of Uganda's largest infrastructure projects for power generation.

Where is the plant located?

It is located on the Nile, in the Kiryandongo district, near Murchison Falls National Park.

Can the place be visited?

The power plant area is not accessible to tourists, but the region is an important safari destination.

When is the best time for a visit?

During the dry season (December to February) wildlife viewing is best.

What activities are available?

Safari drives, boat trips on the Nile, and bird watching are very popular.

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station: where is it located?

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Uganda.

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kampala-Gulu Highway, Karuma Falls, New Karuma Bridge.

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jun, Jul.

Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station: why is it worth visiting?

The Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station is the largest energy project in Uganda's history, situated at the Karuma Falls on the Victoria Nile.

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