Energy minister defends power exports
The minister of state for Energy, Simon D'ujanga has said the country will continue to export electricity to the neighbouring countries as part of the regional cooperation in the power sector.
There has been concern that the Energy ministry is entering many power export deals without ascertaining whether the power dams in the country will produce enough electricity to meet local and regional demands.
Uganda last week signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of South Sudan to supply 400 kilovolts of power from Nimule to the border townships of Kajo-Keji and Kaya.
Uganda has also signed power deals with Kenya, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic Congo.
Experts in Water or hydrology have, however, expressed doubt whether the rivers will have enough water to run the dams to the expected capacity.
But D'ujanga insisted that the fears are uncalled for.
Tindimugaya said he recently objected to a request by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) to have more water released to Kiira and Bujagali dams to enable them produce more electricity.
Eskom has on several occasions turned down a directive from the ministry of Energy asking it to release more water down to Bujagali.
The three dams - Kiira, Nalubale and Bujagali - have as a result been forced to operate below capacity because of the regulations on water.
