Key Institutions in the Licensing Framework
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There are a number of institutions whose authorisation a developer of a renewable power project in Uganda requires in the licensing process.The key institutions are highlighted hereunder and a summary of their contacts is provided in the table.
A. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development
The overall responsibility for the Renewable Energy Policy lies with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) The mandate of MEMD is to establish, promote the development, strategically manage and safeguard the rational and sustainable exploitation and utilization of energy and mineral resources for social and economic development in Uganda.
B. Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA)
The Electricity Regulatory Authority is a body corporate established by the Electricity Act, 1999, Cap. 145, to regulate the generation, transmission, distribution, sale, export and import of electricity in Uganda. ERA is mandated to issue licenses to the participants in the Electricity Sector Industry.
C. Electricity Disputes Tribunal (EDT)
Part XIII of the 1999 Electricity, provides for the Electricity Disputes Tribunal. By statute, the Electricity Disputes Tribunal has its jurisdiction and primary objective to hear and determine all matters referred to it relating to the electricity sector. This includes electricity disputes between consumers and the public bodies charged with generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in Uganda and in exercising such functions it has powers of the High Court of Uganda. Decisions of Electricity Regulatory Authority are appealable to the EDT.
D. Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
In accordance with Section 62 of the Electricity Act, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) was established as a semi- autonomous Agency by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development through Statutory Instrument 2001 no. 75, to operationalize Government's rural electrification function under a public-private partnership. REA is the Secretariat of the Rural Electrification Board (REB) which manages the Rural Electrification Fund (REF). The Rural Electrification Board (REB), as the governing body of REA, provides subsidies to support rural electrification projects.
E. Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL)
The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is the System Operator and owns transmission lines above 33kV. UETCL is the bulk supplier and single buyer of power for the national grid in Uganda. It is the purchaser of all generated power in the country that is fed into the national grid. Generators of electricity are expected to sign a Standardized Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with UETCL.
F. Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS)
The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a statutory body, under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Co-operatives that was established by the UNBS Act Cap 327 to formulate and promote the use of national standards and to develop quality control and quality assurance systems that will enhance consumer protection, public health and safety, industrial and commercial development and international trade, among others. In this context, UNBS is responsible for developing and monitoring standards for renewable energy technologies in addition to bio fuels technology.
G. National Environment Management Authority (NEMA)
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is a semi-autonomous institution established in May 1995 under the National Environment Act Cap. 153 as the principal agency in Uganda charged with the responsibility of coordinating, monitoring, regulating and supervising environmental management in Uganda. In this context, NEMA is responsible for regulating the impact of renewable energy investments on the environment. NEMA awards certificates of environmental clearance, following review and approval of Environmental Audits, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports and Resettlement Action Plans (RAP).
H. Directorate of Water Resources Management (DWRM)
The Directorate of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Water and Environment is responsible for managing the water resources of Uganda in an integrated and sustainable manner in order to secure and provide water of adequate quantity and quality for all social and economic needs for the present and the future. It is the body that issues Surface Water Abstraction and Construction Permits to Project Developers developing hydropower projects. The same body is also responsible for issuing Water Discharge permits and, underground water abstraction permits.
I. Uganda Investment Authority (UIA)
The Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) is a semi-autonomous government agency operating in partnership with the private sector and Government of Uganda to drive national economic growth and development. The Authority was set up by an Act of Parliament with the aim of promoting and facilitating private sector investment in Uganda. Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) has been transformed into a One Stop Centre offering free services where investors can register their businesses and get all relevant licenses related to their business under one roof.
Summary of Contacts
Institution | Contact Details |
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development | Contact: Permanent Secretary Tel: +256 414-323355 / 234733 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.energyand mineral.go.ug |
Electricity Regulatory Authority | Contact: Chief Executive Officer P.O Box 10332, Kampala Plot 15, ERA House, Shimoni Road, Nakasero Tel: + 414-341852/0757341646 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.era.or.ug |
Directorate of Water Resources Management |
Ministry of Water & Environment |
Electricity Disputes Tribunal | Contact: Chairman 4th Floor Amber House Kampala, Uganda |
National Environment Management Authority |
Contact: Executive Director |
Rural Electrification Agency |
Contact: Executive Director |
Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited |
Contact: The Chief Executive Officer/ Managing Director |
Uganda Investment Authority |
Contact: Executive Director |
Uganda National Bureau of Standards | Contact: Executive Director Plot M217 Nakawa Industrial Area P.O.Box 6329 Kampala Tel.: +256-414-505995 +256-414-222369, 0800133133 TOLL FREE Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.unbs.go.ug |