Historic Dam

Nalubaale Dam (Formerly Owen Falls)

Jinja, Uganda • Nile River

180MW

Capacity

1954

Commissioned

831m

Length

Historical Significance

Nalubaale Dam, originally named Owen Falls Dam, was Uganda's first large-scale hydroelectric project and remains a critical component of the country's power infrastructure. Constructed between 1949-1954, it harnesses the power of the Nile River at its source from Lake Victoria.

Technical Specifications

Type: Concrete gravity dam
Height: 31 meters
Reservoir: Lake Victoria (world's second largest freshwater lake)
Turbines: 10 Kaplan turbines
Operator: Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL)

Construction of Nalubaale Dam in the early 1950s

Economic and Social Impact

Power Generation

Originally designed to produce 150MW, upgraded to 180MW, providing electricity to central Uganda for over 60 years.

Industrial Growth

Enabled establishment of Uganda's first major industries in Jinja, including the now-defunct Uganda Textile Mills.

Water Management

Regulates Lake Victoria's water levels through agreed discharge rates with downstream countries.

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