Setting the Record Straight: Uganda’s Smooth Transition from Umeme to UEDCL
Recent media reports have sensationalized Uganda’s ongoing electricity distribution transition, with misleading claims suggesting a “war over the Umeme buyout figure,” “parliamentary probes into UEDCL’s readiness,” and even that “the Government is not ready for the Umeme handover.” These statements misrepresent the facts and undermine the deliberate, structured, and well-coordinated efforts of the Government of […]
Lower Electricity Tariffs: A Catalyst for Uganda’s Manufacturing Competitiveness
Uganda’s economy continues to gain momentum, with the industrial sector emerging as a central driver of growth. As a key contributor to the nation’s GDP, the industrial sector has become a government priority, with efforts focused on fostering industrialization to lower production costs and enhance the competitiveness of Ugandan products in both domestic and export […]
The Price of Electricity Vandalism
Uganda’s electricity sector has made significant strides, with access now at 57%—38% on-grid and 19% off-grid. Despite these achievements, electricity infrastructure vandalism remains a major threat to power supply reliability and access. According to Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), “Vandalizing infrastructure hits us where it hurts most.” The ongoing […]
Uganda’s West Nile Power Lines Provide Path of Light and Energy to DR Congo and South Sudan
Uganda has commissioned the US $127 million Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project to increase electricity availability and improve power reliability, efficiency, and access in the Northern and West Nile regions. This initiative is a joint effort between the Government of Uganda and the World Bank Group. Project Overview The “Path of Light and Energy” project […]
The long story of Karuma Hydropower Project
The story of the 600 Mega Watt (MW) Karuma AHydro Power Project is a testament to President Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni’s vision, strategy, and actions towards Uganda’s social and economic transformation. Through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the Government conceived the Karuma Hydro Power Project and entrusted M/S NORPAK for development under […]
Power Tariffs: A Matter of Delicate Balance
The Government priorities in the energy sector include finding ways to lower the cost of power and increase electricity access and demand, focusing on economically productive energy uses, particularly in the agricultural industry. The electricity tariff structure undergoes reviews following the principles of cost recovery and affordability. For example, there is the Lifeline (Social) Tariff […]
Empowering Uganda’s Youth: A Key to Sustainable Energy and Economic Growth
As Uganda strengthens its electricity supply to meet growing energy demands, the country’s youthful population (78% of the citizens are below 30) presents a significant opportunity for the country to achieve this goal (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2022). By harnessing the potential of its youth, Uganda can address energy challenges and promote sustainable development within […]
How Amendment of the Electricity Act will support the Parish Development Model
Evidence demonstrates that electricity access has the potential to increase income, improve health, education, and decrease poverty. Access to quality and reliable electricity services creates potential for small business ventures and enhances the delivery of social services such as education and health, which ultimately triggers the socio-economic transformation that the Country is committedly pursuing. Uganda’s […]