Uganda prepares to double Nile hydropower

BUJAGALI (Reuters) – Splashing the riverbanks with foam as they whoosh through central Uganda, the Bujagali Falls near the Nile’s source are a challenge to local fishermen and thrill-seeking white-water rafters alike.

But Uganda’s government has other ideas for this powerful jet of water: it wants to harness it for electricity.

Once completed, the Bujagali hydroelectric project is expected to double output on the national grid, ending blackouts that have deterred investors and damaged industry. The target date is 2011.

Reuters