On 25th September 2018, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Eng. Irene Muloni, announced various Strategies by the Government of Uganda aimed at accelerating access to electricity supply and growing electricity demand across the country.

While opening the 14th Edition of the “Energy Week” at Lugogo KCCA Grounds, the Minister mentioned the strategies as; extending power to Industrial Parks,  implementation of the new Free Connection Policy, fast tracking of Rural Electrification through electrification of the 491 Sub Counties, and extending high voltage interconnections within the East African Region for power trade purposes.

The Minister further highlighted plans by the Government of Uganda to have universal access to electricity by 2030, to ensure sustainable economic development.

Hon. Eng. Muloni decried acts of vandalism of electrical installations, noting that these highly and negatively impacted the Electricity Sector, with Billions of Shillings being spent on reinstating the vandalized infrastructure.

The Minister noted that due to vandalism, there was interference with the electricity supply network causing blackouts, which threatened security of homes, disrupted the education and health services and increased the cost of doing business.

She urged Ugandans to be more patriotic and to be the custodians of the electricity and other infrastructure, noting that acts of vandalism caused upward movement of the Electricity Tariffs.

The “Energy week” was held from 24th to 29th September 2018, under the theme: “Transforming Uganda’s Energy Sector through Innovation, Investment and Integration.”

The major aim of the 14th Edition of the “Energy Week” was to sensitize the general public about the different ways of utilizing energy resources in a sustainable manner and to facilitate the exchange of ideas and discussion on pertinent energy-related issues. Over 170 exhibitors showcased their products, such as renewable and energy efficient technologies, petroleum products, and other energy innovations.

The other activities held as part of the “Energy Week” included the “Power Forum 2018” held at the Pearl of Africa Hotel and the “Annual Joint Sector Review 2018” held at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.

Various organizations in the Electricity Supply Industry participated in the “Energy Week”, including the Electricity Regulatory Authority, Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

DOWNLOAD Full Speech of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.