Uganda, South Sudan to build Karuma-Juba power line

Power lines in Kampala. South Sudan has asked Uganda to urgently consider supplying it with at least 100MW of electricity to boost its trade and industrialisation (PHOTO / EDGAR R. BATTE)

What you need to know:

• Local leaders have raised concerns over potential social challenges associated with the project, including an influx of male labourers, which could lead to increased cases of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and health risks such as HIV and tuberculosis. 

The Uganda and South Sudan governments have embarked on the construction of an electricity transmission line that will enable Uganda to export electricity from Karuma to Juba in South Sudan. 

The Monitor has learnt that with support from the Nile Basin Initiative, the two countries secured funding of $142.5 million (approximately Shs523 billion) from the African Development Fund to finance the project, which is expected to be completed by 2028. 

On Monday, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) confirmed that the loan agreement had been finalised and was awaiting Cabinet and Parliament approval.

In an email response to this publication, Mr Muhammad Lubogo, the UETCL spokesperson, said the African Development Bank board approved the project on December 13, 2024. 

The Uganda component of the project will receive $120.127 million (about Shs441 billion) from the African Development Fund, with an additional $17.61 million (Shs65 billion) as counterpart funding from the government of Uganda. 

South Sudan will finance the remaining portion. While Uganda is expected to export to South Sudan up to 481.2Gwh in 2028, the proposed figure in the first year of operation of the interconnection, Mr Lubogo said the figure would reduce to 351.25Gwh in 2033. 

“The target of power export for the interconnection is 1,000 MW in both directions (from Uganda to South Sudan and vice-versa), however, this will be determined by the Energy exchange agreement yet to be discussed between the two governments,” Mr Lubogo said. 

He added: “While the project will necessitate the extension of the 400kV Karuma substation, it will also require the upgrade of Olwiyo substation from 132/33kV to 400/132/33kV standard and the construction of 100km 33kV line and another 400km of low voltage lines in Nimule (South Sudan) with a last mile connection of 1,000 consumers.” 

Mr Lubogo also said the environmental and social impact assessment report indicates that the project, running through Nwoya, Amuru, and Lamwo districts, will require $4.487 million (about Shs16 billion) to compensate approximately 860 affected households. 

He added that the project would involve demolishing 351 buildings, cutting down 4,551 trees, dismantling three community service infrastructures, and acquiring a 30-metre right-ofway, which will affect around 70 graves. 

In an interview, the Amuru Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Geoffrey Osborn Ocheng, confirmed that government teams have engaged local communities to sensitise them on the project and compensation process.

“All affected landowners have been identified and notified. We are awaiting government response before compensation begins,” he said. 
“We are only doing the consultation with the affected people on the 
Uganda side regarding their compensation very carefully to avoid similar claims arising on the South Sudan side because their land policy says the land belongs to the government,” Mr Ocheng added. 

Local leaders have raised concerns over potential social challenges associated with the project, including an influx of male labourers, which could lead to increased cases of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and health risks such as HIV and tuberculosis. 

Lamwo RDC William Komakech warned that the movement of workers from different regions might also escalate land conflicts and disease transmission. 
“Poor management of water resources in camp or construction sited could increase the spread of malaria-carrying mosquitoes,” Komakech said. He said stakeholder meetings were ongoing and all affected people would be compensated. 

On August 6, last year, the National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) issued UETCL a certificate of approval okaying the development after meeting the requirements. 

Nema required UETCL to identify sources for construction materials and waste disposal sites, developawater source protection plan, and ensure that project activities do not compromise domestic water sources along the river.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Project components l A 300.5km, 400kV double-circuit transmission line from Olwiyo substation in Nwoya District to Gumbo in Juba.

Construction of 400/132kV substations at Nesitu and Gumbo (South Sudan) and at Bibia in Elegu Town Council, Amuru District (Uganda).
Expansion of the 400kV Karuma substation and upgrading of Olwiyo substation to 400/132/33kV standard.

Development of a 100km, 33kV power distribution line and a 400km low-voltage network in Nimule, South Sudan, with last-mile connections for 1,000 consumers.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-south-sudan-to-build-karuma-juba-power-line-4907044