While power outages were regularly being experienced in Uganda, the dam sluices at the 60-MW Owen Falls generating station on the Victoria Nile River discharged continuously. Hatch Energy was contracted to study the feasibility of adding a second power house on the opposite bank to utilize the head pond behind the existing dam.

After hydrographic and economic studies, and assessment of a number of locations and power house layouts, Hatch Energy carried out engineering design and preparation of tender documents for the expansion. New work included a 1.3-km long power canal, a 5 x 40-MW powerhouse and a three-bay, radial-gate spillway. Hatch Energy also provided project management and construction supervision. Major construction was completed in 1999 and the first two of five propeller-type turbines were commissioned during 2000.

Consulting Engineers of Manitoba honored Hatch Energy with an Award of Excellence for work on the Kiira Power Station in 2001.