Deputy Speaker Tayebwa commends gov't's multi-billion electricity scale-up project

Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa has rallied support for a new government project aimed at connecting over 1.3 million rural households to the national power grid.

Known as the Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP), this multi-billion-dollar initiative is expected to transform lives in rural communities by increasing access to energy for households, commercial enterprises, and public institutions.

Speaking at the project's launch in Mitooma District on Friday, Tayebwa, who also serves as the area's Member of Parliament, hailed the EASP as a pivotal initiative that holds great promise for rural development.

He emphasized the positive impact it will have on improving the livelihoods of the local population.

As a strong advocate for progress and development, Tayebwa highlighted the significance of the EASP in transforming lives and aligning with Uganda's Vision 2040, National Development Plan (NDP) II and III, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to achieve universal energy access by 2030.

The project, co-funded by the World Bank with an investment of $638 million, will facilitate both on-grid and off-grid connections to increase energy access across the country.

Tayebwa commended the partnership between the World Bank, the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the collaborative efforts in fostering sustainable development.

He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for their financial support, which demonstrates their shared vision for a more prosperous future.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, assured the public that by 2030, all Ugandans will have full access to electricity as a result of the EASP.

She emphasized the comprehensive nature of the project, which includes grid expansion, financial intermediation, and support for refugee host communities.

She highlighted the government's commitment to inclusive development, with a particular focus on benefiting female-headed households and aligning with the Electricity Connections Policy 2018 and Energy Policy 2023.

Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, outlined the project's objectives, including financing energy access in refugee host communities and extending electricity access to settlements and host district communities through grid networks or stand-alone solar technologies.

Local Members of Parliament also voiced their support for the project. Mitooma District Woman MPJuliet Agatha, praised the President for leading the country in the right direction and expressed gratitude for the new power project in the district.

She urged the Energy Ministry to extend power to all areas in order to improve household incomes.

Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Francis Mwijukye, described the project as a massive boost to development and highlighted the positive impact it will have on the value of land.

He expressed readiness on behalf of the Buhweju community to welcome the Electricity Access Scale-up Project.

The Electricity Access Scale-up Project, set to be implemented over five years, is a vital step towards achieving Uganda's goal of universal energy access by 2030.

By providing electricity to millions of households, the project will not only transform lives but also contribute to the country's socio-economic development.

The increased access to electricity will promote business growth, create employment opportunities, and foster local economic development.

In addition to expanding and strengthening the electricity distribution network, the project aims to scale up service connections, increase access to off-grid electricity in refugee settlements and host communities, and promote clean cooking services.

The EASP builds upon previous government initiatives in the energy sector, further advancing Uganda's progress in the field.