EACOP electrical students gain hands-on skills at Karuma Hydropower Plant
He said he learned a lot during the study visit from control room operations to machine handling and electricity distribution.
Kiryandongo: Electrical engineering students from Uganda Petroleum Institute Kigumba (UPIK) in Kiryandongo district have received hands-on training in electricity generation following a study tour to Karuma Hydropower Plant under the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
The educational tour, which took place today, Friday August 8, 2025 was organized as part of the EACOP Academy’s training program.
It aimed to deepen the trainees’ understanding of hydropower electricity generation, an essential component supporting Uganda’s oil and gas industry.
During the visit, students were taken through the entire Karuma facility including the power station, underground machines, control room and the dam gaining firsthand knowledge on the production of hydroelectric power and its integration into the national grid.
Robert Benjamin Kyomugasi, one of the trainees, shared that the program is already yielding results as it provides real-world exposure beyond classroom learning.
“I’ve learned about the control systems, power distribution, how electricity is supplied from Karuma to the UEGCL line, and the protection systems. This kind of training is extremely valuable,” he said.
Immaculate Kesande, the only female electrician in the program, emphasized the importance of such practical experiences in preparing for her future career.
“This tour gave me useful knowledge I plan to apply in the field. I also want to encourage more women to pursue electrical engineering. We are just as capable and can compete with our male counterparts,” she remarked.
Ibrahim Abdukarim, a trainee from Tanzania, said it was his first time participating in a practical training exercise at a dam, adding that the experience will help him perform his duties more effectively.
Another trainee, Karim Abuu, said he learned a lot during the study visit from control room operations to machine handling and electricity distribution.
According to Wiidi Antoro, an instructor with the EACOP Academy, such practical exposure is essential for students preparing to work on major energy projects.
“Our trainees were introduced to large-scale machinery and instructed on how it operates. This hands-on training is critical, especially since the EACOP pipeline will rely on power from the national grid and must be heated to facilitate the transport of crude oil,” he explained.
Peter Mukasa, an electrical engineer at Karuma Hydropower Plant, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of mentoring future professionals.
“We host students from different institutions and expose them to the plant’s various electrical systems. This knowledge transfer is vital for building the next generation of engineers,” he said.
The Karuma Hydropower Plant remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s electricity generation infrastructure, and such initiatives continue to empower young professionals in the region’s rapidly growing energy sector.
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