ROTAMIRROR MARCH ISSUE RotaMirror, March Issue 2019, Rct Club of Kololo | Page 13

Paul Mabonga started inspecting and criticizing our
outfits for being unsafe very early in the morning
but we are warriors after all and we are safe even in
leaves so in the end personal expression won and we
all agreed everyone would go with their planned dress
code. The journey to Isimba Hydro power plant was
entertaining, we had the perfect crowd, perfect music
and perfect conversations- what more would we need.
On reaching Isimba dam, we were amazed even before
we entered the gate, you could see parts of the power
plant even from outside and they were amazing so we
were very excited, we got our clearances and were
led to a boardroom where we had our orientation
about the dam and all the safety precautions by Mr.
Odong Peter the Senior Electoral Engineer and Mr.
Kansiime Edgar who took us through the background
of ISIMBA Hydropower Station project, they were the
most patient and accommodating people we have met
with a great deal of enthusiasm which meant we had
to match their energy and go through the visit with the
same energy as we had when we set off.
We had an insightful session and we asked all technical
and non-technical questions about the power plant
and all were answered satisfactorily. We then had to
get suited up in our protective gear that is the reflector
vests for easy identification, helmets and safety shoes
to embark on our tour and we couldn’t help but take
selfies for future reference.
Isimba hydro power plant is expected to boost
electricity generation with 183.2 MW. The Isimba
Hydro Power Plant dam comprises a concrete dam,
spill way, electro mechanical equipment, power house,
switching stations and auxiliary power transmission
works. Yes we saw all these and I can explain to you
each and every function of the same in fact we have
since qualified to electrical and mechanical engineers
since the visit.
We were taken through all safety measures to take
while on site to avoid accidents and death.
We toured the whole site which enabled us to learn how
the systems run, how the power house works and we
were amazed by technology systems in place, the huge
machines and everything at the hydro power station.
The station is fitted with 24hrs surveillance to monitor
the activities going on around the dam, an ambulance
in case of accidents or professional hazards, a 24hour
clinic for accidents and minor surgeries on site as
well as other medical treatments, voluntary testing,
counseling health and sexual education and a Police
station to promote security and enforce law at the
Hydro power station.
Important to note is that the project is not only for
hydroelectric power but also giving back to the
community in different ways for example there has
been renovation of classroom blocks for nearby schools
for example Mulaniti Primary School and also building
of schools for the nearby towns so that the children
study in a comfortable environment, rehabilitation of
village access roads to ease transportation of goods
and services and over 2600 community members have
been employed by the project which has facilitated
eradication of poverty and this has empowered
some women to become productive members in the
community.
Sadly our tour came to an end after about three hours
of fun and knowledge acquiring. We said farewell and
promised to collaborate on some projects in the near
future so WATCH THIS SPACE.
The project is a high risk undertaking so we appreciate
the people who take this risk to ensure that they deliver
the great services to our country despite the challenges.
Namatovu Shamsa
& Sharone N. K.
Rotaract Club of Kololo
ROTAMIRROR March Issue 2019
13