On 28th June,2025, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), officially launched the Youth Energy Summit (YES! Uganda Chapter) during the closing of the 3 Day Africa Electricity Symposium 2025, a dynamic new platform designed to empower, engage, and equipe the next generation of energy leaders at Mestil Hotel, Kampala.
The summit brought together hundreds of students, innovators, recent graduates, and young energy entrepreneurs, all aged 35 years and below, for a day of learning, ideation, and strategic networking under the theme: “Powering the Future: Youth-Driven innovation for Uganda’s Energy. A Platform for Youth to Lead, Innovate and Influence.”
Participants came from institutions across Uganda including Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Uganda Christian University, Gulu University, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Soroti University, and several technical and vocational institutes. Youth-led enterprises and representatives from the broader Electricity Supply Industry were also in attendance.
While launching the YES Uganda Chapter, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro, State Minister for Energy and Youth Member of Parliament, delivered a resounding message of hope and duty: “This summit is a timely and vital platform. Uganda’s youth must lead the drive toward universal access to affordable, modern energy. The future of our energy sector lies in the ideas, technologies, and courage of the young generation.”
Drawing on her recent community engagement in Nebbi District promoting clean cooking technologies, Hon. Nyamutoro stressed the need for community-led models, climate justice, and decentralized solutions.
“Fail fast. Learn faster. And always lead. That is what the energy transition demands of you; the future of Uganda’s energy sector is in this room. Young people are not only beneficiaries, they are drivers of innovation and change. Let us build with them, not for them. You Are Not the Leaders of Tomorrow; You Are the Leaders of Today” she said.
In her keynote address, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the ERA Chief Executive Officer, delivered a passionate call to action, describing the summit not merely as a gathering, but a historic call to the youth to co-create a sustainable energy future.
“I am proud to say that the institution I lead is 90% composed of youths aged 35 and below. This is your sector, your responsibility, and your future,” she said.
Eng. Ziria highlighted Uganda’s clean energy achievements, where over 90% of electricity generation now comes from renewable sources, and she cautioned against complacency. However, despite the achievements in the Electricity Sector, access is still unequal, especially in rural areas. The real challenge lies in affordability, reliability, and last-mile access. That’s where the youth must innovate. She called on the participants to view themselves not merely as consumers, but as solution designers, tech disruptors, clean energy entrepreneurs, and community educators.
About YES
The Youth Energy Summit is a flagship youth empowerment program spearheaded by the Electricity Regulatory Authority, offering a structured platform for youth to meaningfully participate in shaping Uganda’s energy landscape.
YES, is more than a conversation; it is a movement built on three pillars: engagement, innovation, and action, providing young people with knowledge, skills, networks, and opportunities to innovate, advocate, connect with key stakeholders within the energy ecosystem, and lead within the energy sector. Through learning, mentorship, and collaboration, the initiative fosters youth-driven solutions to Uganda’s energy challenges, while promoting leadership, innovation, and inclusive growth for a resilient energy future.
The summit signified the Electricity Regulatory Authority’s commitment to support youth-led initiatives, enhance capacity building, and promote inclusion in national and regional energy agendas. Additionally, an interim steering committee for the YES Uganda Chapter Council was elected.