At the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Uganda presented a strategic plan for a just energy transition, balancing decarbonisation with the pressing realities of energy poverty across Africa.
Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa outlined Uganda’s vision of becoming a regional energy hub while increasing domestic access to affordable and sustainable electricity.
“As we work to increase energy access domestically, we will also leverage the East African Power Pool to export our excess electricity to neighbouring countries,” Nankabirwa said at a high-level event focused on investing in energy, resilience, and nature in Africa.
This builds on Uganda’s energy milestones, including the recent commissioning of the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Plant and the 183MW Isimba Hydropower Plant.
Together, these projects have elevated Uganda’s electricity generation capacity to 2,000MW, exceeding the national average demand of 1,000MW.
Notably, 95% of Uganda’s energy is derived from renewable sources. The country plans to further enhance its capacity by adding 24,000MW from a nuclear power project by 2027.
Uganda is also tapping into its associated gas reserves for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production, with an agreement in place with TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) for an LPG production facility.
This facility is expected to distribute 500,000 cylinders annually, though sustaining it will require approximately $30 million annually.
To address this, Nankabirwa called for partnerships with commercial banks and innovative financing models.
The government is also working to increase domestic energy access through initiatives like the Energy Access Scale-Up Project, which aims to provide affordable electricity to rural areas. This project seeks to reduce reliance on biomass and kerosene, improving livelihoods while lowering carbon emissions.
Uganda’s Energy Transition Plan prioritises diversifying energy sources, with a focus on renewables like hydro, solar, and wind, while gradually reducing fossil fuel dependency.
The plan also incorporates science-based strategies, transparent emissions reporting, and robust financial frameworks to ensure its success.
Dr Gerald Banaga-Baingi, Task Team Leader for Transition and Integrated Planning in the Ministry of Energy, highlighted the importance of blended financing and de-risking key projects to attract investment.
“Having an objective, science-based plan is essential. Blended financing, de-risking of key projects, and establishing state enterprises have opened new avenues for investment and implementation,” he said.
Uganda’s comprehensive energy transition strategy aligns economic growth with environmental conservation, reflecting broader sustainable development and climate action goals.
By leveraging regional integration, renewable resources, and innovative financing mechanisms, Uganda is positioning itself as a model for equitable energy transitions.
As COP29 progresses, Uganda’s people-centred approach underscores the importance of balancing growth and sustainability while addressing the energy needs of its population.