Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering

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Design and construction of a protection system for three phase loads against single phasing and over heating.
(Busitema University, 2026-08) Wanasolo, Harvey; Washibuku, Martin
Industrial manufacturing plants rely heavily on three-phase induction motors to drive critical processes such as pumping, conveying, refrigeration, and packaging. At Elgon bottling company Limited, continuous production operations depend on the reliable performance of these motors. However, recurring motor failures attributed to single phasing and overheating have resulted in production downtime, increased maintenance costs, and reduced equipment lifespan. Single phasing occurs when one of the three supply phases is lost while the motor continues operating, causing excessive current in the remaining phases, torque imbalance, and rapid thermal build-up. If not detected promptly, this condition leads to insulation degradation and eventual motor burnout. Overheating, whether caused by electrical imbalance, overload, or poor ventilation, further accelerates insulation aging and increases the risk of catastrophic failure. This project presents the design and construction of a microcontroller-based monitoring and protection system aimed at preventing such failures. The proposed system continuously monitors phase voltages and motor temperature using appropriate sensing circuits. The measured parameters are processed by a programmable controller that implements fault detection algorithms capable of identifying phase loss, current imbalance, and excessive temperature rise. Upon detection of abnormal conditions, the system automatically disconnects the affected motor through a contactor control mechanism while providing real-time status indication via a display and alert system. The methodology includes system design, hardware construction, software development, and experimental validation under simulated fault conditions. The expected outcome is a cost-effective, reliable, and intelligent protection system suitable for industrial environments such as Elgon bottling company Limited. The implementation of this system is anticipated to reduce motor failure rates, minimize production downtime, enhance safety, and improve overall operational efficiency.
Modelling and simulation of an energy storage system with automatic generation control for fast frequency and voltage stability response in Uganda’s grid.
(Busitema University, 2026) Ebbu, Isaac Francis; Ekoditai, James
This study investigates the modelling and simulation of an Energy Storage System (ESS) integrated with Automatic Generation Control (AGC) to improve fast frequency and voltage stability response in Uganda’s power grid, particularly within the Eastern transmission corridor. Increasing penetration of renewable energy sources has created significant challenges for maintaining grid stability, rendering conventional generation control methods insufficient during disturbances. A state-space mathematical modelling approach implemented in MATLAB is used to develop a dynamic representation of the power system incorporating generator dynamics, governor response, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) control mechanisms. The study evaluated three configurations: conventional AGC without storage, standalone ESS operation, and an integrated ESS–AGC control scheme. Performance evaluation was conducted under various disturbance scenarios including generator trips, load variations, renewable intermittency, and transmission faults. Simulation results demonstrated that conventional AGC alone produced poor dynamic performance, with frequency dropping to 47.871 Hz and bus voltage declining to 0.925 pu during a 30% generator trip scenario. Integration of ESS significantly improved system stability, with the proposed ESS–AGC configuration achieving a frequency nadir of 49.982 Hz, reducing Rate of Change of Frequency (RoCoF) by approximately 47.4%, and improving minimum bus voltage to 0.985 pu. Sensitivity analysis further revealed that a 10 MW BESS provides the optimal balance between technical performance and economic feasibility compared to 5 MW and 20 MW alternatives. The findings confirm that ESS-integrated AGC provides a technically viable solution for enhancing frequency and voltage stability in Uganda’s increasingly low-inertia grid environment and supports future renewable energy integration and regional power interconnection initiatives.
Design and development of an automatic dust extraction system for electrical panels.
(Busitema University, 2026-07-09) Mulondo, Brian; Kavuma, Hakim; Ajolo, Mercy; Kabanda, Adam; Akadapau, Pollin Faith
Electrical panels are critical components in industrial, commercial, and residential power systems, but their reliability is often compromised by the accumulation of dust, which leads to overheating, corrosion and potential fire hazards. Traditional manual cleaning methods are inefficient, necessitate system downtime, and pose safety risks personnel. This project designed, built, and programmed an Automatic Dust Extraction System for electrical panels. The system utilizes an Arduino microcontroller, operating on a programmed schedule to trigger a cleaning cycle autonomously. The dual fan and ducting system create positive airflow to evacuate dust into a sealed collector with a filter. The entire mechanism operates on a low voltage DC supply, ensuring isolation from the panel’s high voltage components. In controlled tests, the prototype successfully extracted approximately 85% of accumulated dust particles within 5- minutes second cycle. The system enhances operational safety, reduces maintenance frequency, and protects sensitive components, offering a significant improvement over reactive maintenance practice.
Assessing required upgrades on electricity distribution network in Tororo to adopt e-mobility charging infrastructure : case study Town Ring 11Kv feeder.
(Busitema University, 2026-06-29) Opio, Paul; Okello, Oscar
Uganda's growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by the National E-Mobility Strategy, presents both opportunities and challenges for the existing electricity distribution infrastructure. This study assesses the required upgrades on the electricity distribution network in Tororo to support e-mobility charging infrastructure, using the Town Ring 11 kV feeder supplied from Tororo Rock Substation as a case study. Primary data was collected through field visits, interviews with electric motorcycle operators from Spiro and Gogo, and site visits to battery swapping stations. Secondary data was obtained from the Uganda E-Mobility Report and MEMD publications. Energy demand was estimated using the formula E = N × S × Es, and EV growth was projected from a baseline of 300 electric motorcycles in 2025 to 4,000 by 2030, with electric cars growing from 0 to 50 over the same period. Network simulation was carried out under three scenarios: baseline with no EVs, 10% EV penetration, and 30% EV penetration. Results show that the feeder's peak demand of 1,820 kW already exceeds its thermal limit of 1,800 kW before any EV load is added. At 30% EV penetration, five out of eleven transformers enter overload conditions. The integration of EV charging infrastructure significantly reshapes the load profile, with the evening peak increasing from 1,820 kW to a projected total of 6,010 kW by 2030. The study recommends upgrading overloaded transformers, increasing cable capacity, and deploying smart charging strategies to shift EV demand to off-peak hours, ensuring reliable and stable grid operation as e-mobility adoption accelerates in Tororo.
Design and implementation of a prepaid unit sharing management systemin UEDCL light meters.
(Busitema university, 2026-07) Muhangi, Raymond; Kabakumba, Desire Bengina
Light metering system includes a customer interface unit (CIU) that is easily accessible on the user premises. Upon any payment, a 20-digit token MUST be entered to have units loaded into the meter. This project proposes the design and implementation of a secure, reliable, and user-friendly prepaid electricity unit-sharing platform that enables LIGHT (formerly Yaka) customers under Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) to share or transfer purchased prepaid electricity units between meters. The system will provide a mobile and web-based interface for initiating, approving, and tracking unit transfers, while ensuring compliance with meter token formats and vendor workflows. The platform aims to improve customer flexibility, reduce wasted units, and increase user satisfaction while preserving utility revenue protection and data integrity.
Design and implementation of a seat occupancy detection and weight monitoring system for road transportation vehicles.
(Busitema University, 2026) Atwala, Godfrey; Nkoko,Joshua
This project presents the design and implementation of an automatic seat occupancy and weight monitoring system for road transportation vehicles in Uganda. A single-seat prototype is developed using a 20 kg load cell, HX711 signal amplifier, Arduino Uno microcontroller, 16×4 I2C LCD display, and an active buzzer. The system detects whether a seat is occupied based on a calibrated weight threshold, displays the measured weight and occupancy status in real time, and triggers an alarm when the measured load exceeds a set maximum. Beyond seated passengers, the project also addresses the broader problem of unmonitored weight contributors in public transport — specifically standing passengers and passenger luggage — both of which significantly increase total vehicle load yet remain invisible to existing passenger counting systems. The prototype demonstrates the fundamental sensing principle for a full vehicle deployment and contributes toward solving the persistent problems of overcrowding, overloading, and the absence of automated weight data in Uganda’s public transport sector. Testing covers accuracy, repeatability, and threshold boundary behaviour under static loading conditions.
Network reconfiguration as a cost effective strategy for technical loss reduction on Busitema Tiira Toff.
(Busitema University, 2026-06-30) Byonabye, Moses; Atwebembire, Prode
Electrical distribution networks experience the highest concentration of technical power losses within utility systems, driven by physical line properties and loading patterns. In Uganda, long radial feeders serving mixed consumer segments frequently suffer from severe voltage degradation and heavy line losses. The Busitema-Tiira 33kV T-off feeder is a critical radial infrastructure segment serving a heterogeneous load profile, including intense inductive mining loads in Tiira, residential loads across trading centers, and the Busitema University main campus. Operating under an un-optimized configuration, the feeder suffers from severe technical power losses and failure to optimally evacuate power from the local 4MW grid-connected solar plant. Traditional physical reinforcements remain capital-intensive, highlighting the need for cost-effective operational alternatives. This study investigates network reconfiguration as a low-cost strategy to optimize system performance without extensive capital asset installation. Relying on operational data from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), a high-fidelity model of the T-off grid segment was built and validated using DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Power World Simulator. An AC power flow engine executing the Newton-Raphson method was used to establish a baseline state and locate loss hotspots. A multi-source optimization model was implemented by proposing a 33kV dedicated feeder line from the UETCL Tororo Substation, coordinated through three automated Tie Switches (Normally Open) and two Sectionalizing Switches (Normally Closed) using the Tie Open Point Optimization module. The optimization framework successfully shifted the feeder structure into an optimal radial state. Under peak conditions, active technical power losses were reduced by 41.19%, dropping from a baseline of 26.9 kW to 15.8 kW. This technical recovery translates into an annualized energy savings of 97,130.88 kWh, yielding UGX 31,878,354.82 in recovered utility revenue. The findings prove that network reconfiguration, paired with strategic automation, can drastically expand power system load-carrying capability and lower operational overhead. This approach serves as a viable, scalable operational model for electricity distribution companies across Uganda aiming to optimize efficiency on long radial feeders. Keywords: Network Reconfiguration, Technical Losses, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Feeder Optimization, Uganda Distribution Grid, Load-Carrying Capability
Power distributor Umeme lights up Pallisa town
(New Vision, 2018-06-04) Nampala, Moses
Pallisa District like many others across the country, has a huge business potential in health, education, grinding mills, kiosks, restaurants, fabrication, business, dairy farming, among others. Many residents felt a huge relief when Umeme opened it's first service centre (office) in the district in 63 years.
Design an Automatic Forward and Reverse starter for a three Phase Induction Motor
(Busitema University, 2026) Mugwe, Simon
This project designs and implements an automated forward and reverses starter system for a three phase induction motor to replace high risk manual switching mechanisms. Industrial and workshop environments heavily rely on these motors for conveyor belts, cranes, and machining equipment where directional changes are constantly required. Traditional manual phase reversal switches expose operators to high voltages and introduce severe mechanical and electrical stress to the motor due to abrupt directional changes. By integrating magnetic contactors, overload relays, and time delay mechanisms, this design ensures smooth transitions between forward, stop, and reverse states. Crucially, the system features both hardware and electrical interlocking mechanisms to prevent the forward and reverse contactors from engaging simultaneously, effectively eliminating the risk of catastrophic line to line short circuits. To enhance precision and monitoring, the system integrates an Arduino microcontroller platform for sensor based automation. The Arduino acts as the central control unit, processing inputs from operational switches or position sensors and managing output signals to the relay modules that drive the heavy duty contactors. Thermal overload relays are embedded within the power circuit to continuously monitor current draw, immediately cutting power if an overcurrent or fault condition is detected. Furthermore, the microcontroller enforces programmed time delays during direction switches, ensuring the motor rotor comes to a complete rest before reversing. The resulting prototype offers a highly reliable, safe, and cost-effective motor control solution that significantly reduces maintenance downtime and improves operator safety in small-scale industrial and micro workshops.
Investor to manufacture transformers, flat irons
(New Vision, 2018-05-11) Vision, Reporter
A Chinese entrepreneur, Pengfei Zhang, has expressed interest in investing in a multi-manufacturing factory for the production of an assortment of electrical equipment in Uganda.
Karuma engineers lay down tools over pay
(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-13) Owiny, Jolly Tobias
Works at Karuma Hydro-power plant has stalled after engineers supervising construction went on strike over pay.
Tororo gets new 10MW solar plant
(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-16) Wesonga, Nelson
The government is today expected to switch on the Tororo Solar North plant. The plant in Tororo District, about 200 kilo metres east of Kampala, will generate 10 megawatts (MW).
Karuma dam supervisor to be replaced.
(New Vision, 2017-12-01) Odyek, John
The Government is looking for a new supervisor for the construction of the sh6 trillion Karuma dam. This follows concerns about the quality of supervision of the project owner's engineer, Energy Infratech PYT Ltd, the Indian-based company. This was revealed by Margaret Proscovia Njuki,
Umeme prioritises safety, Health.
(Saturday Monitor, 2018-04-28) Wagabaza, Owen
According to Ronald Miti, an occupational health expert, occupational health and safety is the aspect where an employer puts in place systems and processes that prevent non-intentional injuries arising from the processes and systems employed and behaviour accruing from the people who interface with these systems.
Sh2.2 trillion set aside for free rural power connections.
(New Vision, 2018-04-24) Sanya, Samuel
The electricity connections policy aims at increasing access to electricity from the current 20% to 60% by 2027 in the country.
Isimba:
(New Vision, 2017-08-16) Bwambale, Taddeo
When the first turbine of the 183-megawatt Isimba hydropower dam is switched on in August next year, residents of Busaana sub-county in Kayunga district will be looking for much more than light. Four years ago, much of the area, located on the lower banks of the River Nile,
Sewage plant to produce electricity opens January.
(New Vision, 2017-08-14) Bwambale, Taddeo; Waiswa, Juliet
When a new sh420b sewage treatment plant opens in Kampala in January next year, it will not only filter much of the city's waster, but also produce electricity. The construction of the facility in Bugolobi, a Kampala suburb, is almost complete.
MPs direct REA to recover sh3b for electricity supply
(New Vision, 2018-05-30) Sekanjako, Henry
MPs on Parliament's committee on commissions, statutory authorities and state enterprises (COSASE), have directed the Rural electrification Agency (REA), together with Solicitor General, to recover sh3b from an electricity supply deal in western Uganda. Ferdsult had not paid any of the concession fees (sh420m) since the contract was signed.
Uganda needs a diverse energy mix
(New Vision, 2018-04-23) Mutikanga, Harrison
Uganda's energy sector is experiencing rapid growth and transformation. Two major power plants, Isimba (183MW) and Karuma (600MW) will increase the energy capacity of the country, leading to rural electrification, industrialization, and other important infrastructure projects to ensure a robust market for the electricity produced. Uganda Electricity Generation Company and others are looking to increase the renewable energy mix, with explorations in geothermal and Solar.
Specialised Technical Services big on fuel system installation
(New Vision, 2017-07-13) Naigino, Stella
Today, many people are opening up fuel stations, but few are aware of the dos and don'ts for the business. It is for this reason that some fuel stations catch fire. However, with the right information on safety measures at a fuel station, fires can be avoided.

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