Ugandans and South Sudanese have had their lives lit up by the steady flow of electricity from a massive hydropower infrastructure project, constructed by one of China’s leading contractors.
Sinohydro Corp., a Chinese state-owned hydropower engineering and construction company, recently completed construction of the $1.5-billion, 600-mw Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station in north Uganda’s Kiryandongo District.
The company was contracted by the government of Uganda. Located on the River Nile at the former location of the Karuma Falls, the power station is now the largest power-generating installation in the country. Other power dams include Isimba, Bujagali, Nalubale, Kiira, Ayago, Nyanga, Nyagak and Muzizi power stations, with an accumulative capacity of almost 1400 mw.
Stable power
Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, said that the new dam has solved Uganda’s shortage of electricity, which on many occasions has led to power shedding, especially in the northern part of the country. “It has also led to the increase of electricity exported from Uganda to South Sudan, in addition to constructing another transmission power line to South Sudan.”
According to engineer Badru Kigundu, chairman of the presidential select committee responsible for Karuma Hydroelectric Power Station, the electrical-mechanical installations of the plant are located approximately 100 metres underground, with 26.5 km of underground access roads, making Karuma the 14th largest underground power plant in the world.
“Apart from constructing the biggest electricity dam in the country, Sinohydro has also constructed power distributing lines from the dam to different parts of the country. It is also constructing a new transmission line to South Sudan,” said Kigundu.
As far as financing of the construction of the dam is concerned, Export-Import Bank of China extended a loan equal to 85 percent of the project cost, while the remaining 15 percent was financed by the government of Uganda.
The synchronisation of the Karuma project took place in February, when the sixth and last generating unit was synchronised to the national grid. The dam is expected to increase Uganda’s installed capacity by 600 mw to at least 2,000 mw. The construction of the dam officially started on 12 August 2013. In March 2015, Sinohydro contracted Alstom Hydro China to provide equipment and technical services to the power station, in a deal worth $65 million. The equipment includes six 100-mw Francis turbines and related equipment.
Uganda and South Sudan benefit
In June 2023 South Sudan and Uganda signed a power sales agreement to allow Uganda to sell some of the electricity produced at Karuma dam to South Sudan.
Kiryandongo District, where the dam was constructed, has benefitted a lot in terms of improving lifestyles and providing employment, especially among the youth.
“Since the start of the construction of Karuma project, and up to now when transmission lines are being constructed, over 2,000 jobs have been created by Sinohydro. The jobs have been given to local people, especially the youth. Apart from jobs at the dam, they are also employing those involved in the construction of a 138-km high-voltage transmission line and expansion of two substations,” said Stephen Okello, the district chairperson.
He said that Sinohydro has also done a lot as far as infrastructure development is concerned. “It has constructed roads, bridges and power transmission lines. Karuma dam has revolutionised the economy of Kiryandongo District and Uganda at large,” said Okello.
Another gain is the increase in Uganda’s excess electricity, which South Sudan is soon to benefit from. “The project will help to reduce energy poverty in South Sudan, which is currently experiencing an energy crisis,” said Henry Lukudu, a Sudanese electrician based at Elegu Trading Centre on the Uganda border.
Meanwhile, George Magezi, a senior citizen in Kiryandongo District, said that by renovating schools, health care facilities, roads and water sources in his district, “Sinohydro has demonstrated corporate social responsibility, which we highly appreciate.”
Ugandan government support
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has thanked Synohydro for their work in building the Karuma project.
According to a statement from the country’s State House, on 14 May, Museveni met a delegation led by Yang Yixin, Sinohydro vice president, where he said he was pleased that the company was also to develop a $180-million power transmission line to allow Uganda to export power to energy-starved South Sudan.
“After [the] good work at Karuma dam, I am glad to hear about the Olwiyo-Nimule transmission project. That’s a very good idea if you have got the model of investing,” said Museveni, assuring the investors of the government’s support.
At the meeting, the two sides discussed potential hydropower projects and strengthening cooperation between Uganda and China.
Yang thanked Museveni for supporting Synohydro. He said that what they have now embarked on includes the construction of a 138-km transmission line (to carry power to South Sudan), expansion of Olwiyo and Karuma substations, and the construction of a new substation, with an estimated cost of around $180 million.
“We are happy about being entrusted with the construction of the transmission line. With our extensive experience, we are very much willing to help to develop this project with the required finance if needed,” said Yang.
He noted that Karuma Hydropower Station has been successfully completed, with the testing, commissioning, and synchronisation with the national grid all concluded. “All three transmission lines and four substations have been tested, commissioned, and put into use by Uganda Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd.,” said Yang.
“Karuma dam is a significant milestone in Uganda’s energy development. Karuma dam has improved the quantity, quality and reliability of electricity supply, especially in north Uganda and South Sudan,” said Nankabirwa.
On a recent visit to Karuma dam, Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja thanked the Chinese government and people for supporting Uganda, especially in putting up infrastructure. She mentioned other construction projects in which Chinese companies have been involved in Uganda including Isimba hydropower project, the Uganda national airport at Entebbe, Entebbe-Kampala Expressway and the China Uganda Friendship Hospital Naguru.
African Times published this article in partnership with ChinAfrica Magazine
