Paul Wolfowitz, President
The World Bank
1818 H Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20433

RE: Bujagali Dam Project

Dear Mr. Wolfowitz,

I am extremely concerned about the proposed Bujagali Dam project in Uganda, and I strongly urge that the World Bank immediately cancel all plans for funding this ill-advised and dangerous project.

 Two existing dams have caused the level of Lake Victoria, the world's second largest freshwater lake, to drop to record lows. Lake Victoria supports some of Africa's most diverse and endangered ecosystems and provides incomes for about one-third of the total population of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The dams are producing less energy than they were supposed to, and Uganda is experiencing blackouts and economic disruption.  The proposed Buajagali Dam would worsen problems of over-reliance on strained water resources, and it will not help get energy to Uganda’s population—95% of whom have no access to electricity—because it will only feed the existing energy grid. Extending the grid from centralized power stations to the millions now without electricity is too costly, and even if it were to reach the rural poor, they would not likely be able to afford the electricity. The average annual income is $300 in Uganda, and its electricity is already some of the most expensive in East Africa.

The new dam project is likely to be a disaster for Lake Victoria and for Uganda’s economy, and it would also destroy Bujagali Falls, a natural wonder.  Rather than this new, costly, and risky dam project, a more prudent approach would focus on developing small- and medium-scale renewable energy sources, and improving Uganda’s highly inefficient grid system. 

I urge that the World Bank and the Ugandan government engage in a full public debate about what needs to be done to stop Lake Victoria’s decline before any new dams are built.  The Bank must publish all project information that sheds light on the hydrological and economic assumptions for the planned Bujagali Dam, including data on existing dam releases and river flows. Further, the Bank should immediately accede to the request of local groups for the immediate release of the project contract, called the "Power Purchase Agreement” which contains important information about how much Ugandans will pay for the dam and its electricity.

In addition, climate change could make Uganda’s reliance on hydropower from the Victoria Nile even more risky. The Bank must assess the climate-change risks for Uganda in light of its near-total dependence on hydropower projects, and must more fully analyze alternatives that could reduce Uganda's dependence on Lake Victoria flows.

I will join the world community in continuing to closely follow your actions in this crucial matter.

Copy to: Hon. Daudi Migereko, Minister
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
P.O. Box 7270
KAMPALA,  UGANDA

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