Overview:
The Energy Policy, which was launched at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, aligns with the government's commitment to regional and international obligations related to energy transition towards a zero-carbon economy.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has launched the Energy Policy for Uganda that it says is a blueprint for ensuring that every Ugandan has access to clean, affordable, and uninterrupted energy by the year 2040.
The Energy Policy, which was launched at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Wednesday, aligns with the government’s commitment to regional and international obligations related to energy transition towards a zero-carbon economy. It encompasses strategies for new energy trends, including clean energy mini-grids (solar PV), industrial parks, smart grids, e-mobility, and energy-efficient and smart appliances.
Okaasai Opolot, the State Minister for Minerals, said: “The Energy Policy for Uganda 2023 is not just a document; it is a blueprint for our nation’s future. It lays out a roadmap to ensure that every Ugandan has access to clean, affordable, and uninterrupted energy.”
He added that the policy is not just about power generation but also about empowerment of industries, businesses, and households to thrive and prosper.
“The Energy Policy for Uganda 2023 represents our unwavering dedication to ensuring that Uganda’s energy needs are met while preserving our environment. It is a testament to our commitment to sustainable development,” Opolot said.
Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua, who officiated at the launch on behalf of Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, emphasized that the Energy Policy would enable Uganda to accelerate major infrastructure projects such as the standard gauge railway, oil refinery, and electric mobility, while also creating jobs for Ugandans.
He said as Uganda continues to pursue economic growth and industrialization, the ministry of Energy and mineral development forecasts a base case scenario and the Energy demand in 2027 will stand at 7664GWh.
Reports from the ministry of Energy shows that at least 57% of households in Uganda had access to one source of energy in 2022.The country’s electricity connectivity of 28% is still one of the lowest in Africa compared with the sub -Saharan average of 43%.
Irene Pauline Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, emphasized that despite Uganda’s abundant energy resources, mainly hydro, biomass, and other renewables, widespread energy poverty persists among households, which represent the largest group of energy consumers in the country, following industries.
Bateebe clarified that the Energy Policy marks a significant step in Uganda’s journey towards a more sustainable and accessible energy mix. It underscores the country’s determination to ensure adequate, affordable, and reliable energy supply, fostering both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), highlighted Uganda’s economic growth and rapid urbanization as drivers of steadily increasing energy demand. Electricity demand is rising at a rate of 8.2 percent annually, equating to 125,000 new customers every year.
As of December 2022, Uganda’s power generation capacity had increased from 540MW in 2010 to 1,378.1MW.
The ERA called upon stakeholders in the electricity generation, transmission, and distribution sectors to collaborate in enabling universal access to electricity throughout the nation. They predicted that energy demand by 2027 would reach 7,664 GWh, with a peak demand of 1,250 MW.
Matthias Schauer, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, commended the new policy during the launch. Germany, through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), supports Uganda’s efforts to achieve a clean energy mix with a focus on sustainability to mitigate the impacts of climate change.