Uganda and South Sudan have signed a Power Sales Agreement (PSA) to facilitate energy trading between the two nations to benefit towns of Oraba, Elegu in Uganda and Kaya, Nimule in South Sudan.
The Ugandan delegation was led by the Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, who was joined by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Irene Bateebe, while the South Sudan group was led by Peter Marcello Jelenge, who arrived in Juba on June 27, 2023. Irene Bateebe signed the power purchase agreement on behalf of Uganda, while Beck Awan Deng, General Manager of South Sudan Electricity Cooperation (SSEC), signed on behalf of his country.
The agreement will see the development of the 400kV Olwiyo – Juba Power Transmission line of 308km were Uganda will develop 138km of the line on the Ugandan side while South Sudan will construct 170km on its side. The deal will see the expansion of the 400kV Power Substations of Olwiyo and Bibia near Uganda’s Elegu border post while the Juba Substation will also be expanded.
“Today’s signatures mark the beginning of serious cooperation in power trade between Uganda and South Sudan,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
In the meantime, a Joint Technical Committee has been formed to plan and coordinate the project’s progress.