The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company (UETCL) invites prequalification bids by 11 November for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of components for the establishment of a 400kV transmission line between Masaka and Mbarara in south-western Uganda.The contract, which will be financed by the French Development Agency and KfW, includes the supply and installation of components such as towers, conductors and earthwires, insulators, foundations and 220kV bays (two each) at Masaka and Mbarara, with outdoor switchgear, protection panels and structures for terminating the 400kV lines for initial operation at 220kV.The 400kV Masaka- Mbarara line will cover a distance of about 135km from the 220kV Masaka West Substation to the 220kV Mbarara North substation.This project is expected to increase voltage reliability, security and stability in western Uganda, and will form part of the Northern Corridor infrastructure projects, completing the 220kV interconnection in the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme region.

Contact: Principal Procurement Officer, UETCL, Second Floor (Annex Building), Plot 12, Hannington Road, Kampala, Uganda.Tel: +256 233 433/4; Fax: +256 41 341 789; E-mail:procurement@uetcl.com; Rachel Baryayanga, Procurement Officer (Projects).Tel: +256 784 111646; rachel.baryayanga@uetcl.com.