Ceylex Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, recently made an astounding achievement by unveiling the Kabale 132/33 kV, 80 MVA Substation on February 12, 2025. This was designed and constructed with Sri Lankan expertise and global collaboration within a guaranteed time span of 18 months in Uganda. This occasion, graced by His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, the President of Republic of Uganda, marks a significant leap forward in the region’s power infrastructure and expands its global presence. The event was met with enthusiasm from local citizens, who jubilantly welcomed the development with great anticipation.
This milestone project led by a versatile team of well recognised Sri Lankan Engineers are a testimony to the unmatched skills and excellence of our engineering professionals. Ceylex Engineering (Pvt.) Ltd., a well-established and revered name in Sri Lanka’s power sector for over 25 years, served as the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractor. It is the first time a Sri Lankan company has designed and constructed a high voltage substation outside the country.
Ensuring safe and efficient operation with technical know-how
“Supplying electricity to approximately 30,000 households and industries”
The Kabale Substation owned by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) and funded by Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is equipped with 2 X 40 MVA 132/33 kV step-down transformers, which reduce the 132 kV voltage from the 85 km-long Mirama-Kabale Transmission Line to 33 kV for local distribution. The facility includes state-of-the-art control equipment, measuring devices, an online monitoring system and a Substation Automation System to ensure safe and efficient operation. This substation is remotely controlled and monitored efficiently and intricately from the National Control Center in Lugogo, Kampala, minimizing local operation leaving no room for interruptions and inconveniences.
The substation incorporates a 33 kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) system with eight outgoing feeders, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 30,000 households and industries. These systems are designed for enhanced reliability and minimal downtime. Provisions have also been made for future expansion, including hydroelectric power evacuation and bulk supply to heavy industries.
Overcoming challenges together as a team
“A true global effort igniting Sri Lankan expertism with a skilled Ugandan workforce”
The project’s lead Electrical Engineer, Dilantha Liyanage, highlighted the unique challenges faced during the designing and construction processes of the substation. “At an elevation of around 2,000 meters above sea level, in a sloppy terrain with an elevation difference of about 25m, special design considerations were required,” he explained.
He also emphasized that this was a global project with a local touch that integrated Sri Lankan expertise with a skilled Ugandan workforce. More importantly, it was an experience for our engineers which necessitated transfer of knowledge to Ugandan nation.
Senior Civil Engineer and Project Manager, Nishantha Maddapitigala, commended the strong collaboration between Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), the project consultant Colenco Consulting Nigeria Ltd., and the Ceylex Engineering team. “The mutual trust and teamwork among all stakeholders were remarkable,” he said. He also appreciated the support received from local government officials, who facilitated site visits and approvals, ensuring the smooth progress of the project.
Actively engaging with the community
“Welfare and engagement programs were also undertaken to benefit the local population”
The local community also played a crucial role in the project’s success contributing towards the development process. At the peak of construction, over 100 personnel from the country itself were engaged, acquiring their skills and experience. Ceylex Engineering actively engaged with the community, addressing concerns and minimizing disruptions through its social and environmental initiatives. At the same time, a number of welfare and engagement programs were also undertaken to benefit the local population.
Client, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) appreciation
“UETCL vouched for Ceylex Engineering’s management, financial and technical capabilities”
The Head of Project Implementation at Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL), Engineer Daniel Kisira, highly commended Ceylex Engineering for this accomplishment. He highlighted that it is extremely challenging for a contractor to complete a project of this magnitude within such a short time span. Given the strict deadline for project completion set by the Government of Uganda, Ceylex Engineering took on the challenge and successfully delivered, setting a new benchmark in the large-scale Substation construction in the region.
Contributing towards earning significant amounts of Forex to Sri Lanka
“The project was awarded when Sri Lanka was facing severe financial crisis”
The Chief Executive Officer Nisal Perera and Chief Operating Officer Sharana Bulankulame of Ceylex Engineering (Pvt) Limited recalled Sri Lanka was facing severe financial crisis when the project was awarded and turning this into a timely completed project was a necessity for the country as a whole. This signifies that our competencies and helped to promote Sri Lankan Engineering, overseas. Furthermore, this project greatly contributed towards earning significant amounts of Forex to Sri Lanka.
