BY INNOCENT KIIZA
In a landmark move towards sustainable development and regional collaboration, the 31st Nile Council of Ministers’ Meeting in Uganda announced the feasibility of a power interconnection project between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The proposed Nkenda-Beni-Bunia Power Interconnection is poised to usher in a new era of energy cooperation between the two nations, providing significant socio-economic benefits to the region.
The ambitious project was first hinted at during the series of speeches by regional leaders at the Nile Council of Ministers’ Meeting.
Hon. Robina Nabanja, Prime Minister of Uganda, emphasized the importance of regional water security and hinted at Uganda’s commitment to being a good neighbor by promoting regional cooperation for optimal and sustainable water resource management and development.
While details on the project’s specifics are yet to be officially disclosed, preliminary reports suggest that feasibility studies and initial groundwork are underway.
A joint committee comprising representatives from Uganda, DR Congo, and possibly other stakeholders is expected to oversee the project’s development.
The proposed completion date is set for February of the following year, marking a swift transition from vision to reality.As the Nile Basin countries embark on this transformative journey, the Nkenda-Beni-Bunia Power Interconnection stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of regional collaboration to shape a brighter future for all.
Current Achievements The NELSAP-CU, in collaboration with EAPP, has successfully overseen the synchronization of the Uganda-Rwanda Power interconnection.
The completion of the sub-stations at Mbarara (Uganda) and Shango (Rwanda) and the connecting transmission through the 220kV, covering 172 kilometers have been crucial achievements in this groundbreaking project.
The Ugandan side of the line has already been energized up to the Rwanda border.Regional Impact.
This synchronicity adds a critical piece to the puzzle of regional energy collaboration. Electric grids of Kenya and Uganda, as well as Rwanda and Burundi, are already in synchronized operation.
The commissioning of the Rwanda-Uganda interconnection is a pivotal link that will enable parallel operation of the electric grids of the five East African countries, including Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
H.E. Etsegenet Bezabih, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Uganda, stressed the need for transformative water and energy infrastructure investments in the region. He highlighted Ethiopia’s proactive engagement in enhancing cooperation on the management and utilization of trans-boundary watercourses.
The proposed power interconnection aligns seamlessly with this vision for transformative infrastructure.DR Congo’s Role in the Partnership and call for strengthening cooperation.
While DR Congo aligned the proposed power interconnection with the country’s development goals and can potentially contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the region.
The interconnection promises not only to provide power but also to symbolize a new chapter in the collaborative journey of Nile Basin countries towards shared prosperity.
Hon. Pal Mai Deng, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of South Sudan, outlined the challenges facing his country, including economic crises and climate change impacts.
Despite these challenges, the commitment to the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) and shared visions remained unwavering. South Sudan’s resilience stands as a testament to the transformative potential of regional projects.
The Ambassador of Rwanda to Uganda, representing Dr. Jean d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of Rwanda, emphasized the importance of strengthened cooperation at both technical and political levels.
Joint investment projects were underscored, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6.5 on integrated water resources management and transboundary cooperation.
