From Watchdog to Catalyst: The Media’s Role in Uganda’s Energy Future

Uganda’s commitment to achieving universal energy access is gaining momentum, with renewed emphasis on the media’s role as a strategic partner in disseminating energy-related information.

The government is urging media outlets to adopt a more proactive and balanced approach when communicating energy initiatives to the public.

This sentiment was echoed during a panel discussion at the Renewable Energy Conference (REC) held at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

Representatives from government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) discussed how the media is evolving into a critical “partner and catalyst for universal energy access.”

Dr. Patricia Kevin Litho, Assistant Commissioner for Communications and Public Relations at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), highlighted the media’s essential role in making government energy policies and updates more accessible to citizens.

“Beyond its traditional watchdog role, the media has the power to shape societal agendas, steer political discussions, and act as a driver for achieving universal energy access,” Dr. Litho said.

Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) spokesperson Jonan Kiiza called on journalists to deepen their understanding of the energy sector to produce more insightful and engaging content.

He pointed out that as Uganda’s media environment transitions from traditional to digital platforms, reliable energy has become indispensable to journalism, emphasising the need for media professionals to advocate for universal energy access.

Gloria Sebikari, Corporate Affairs Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), urged the media to focus on Uganda’s infrastructure needs, energy diversification, and the national energy transition strategy.

Panelists underscored the media’s influence in shaping public opinion and national discourse, noting that the topics journalists choose to cover often determine which issues dominate the public sphere.

By translating complex policies and technical industry matters into clear and relatable stories, the media plays a vital role in informing the public and enabling citizens to make informed decisions on energy matters that affect their daily lives.

The weeklong Renewable Energy Conference, themed “Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth,” concluded the Energy and Minerals Week 2024. Organised by the MEMD, the event provided a platform for key stakeholders to discuss challenges and potential solutions in energy generation, transmission, distribution, and regulation.

Eng. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at MEMD, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP), which aims to connect 300,000 households to the national grid annually through 2027.

“Uganda’s electrification rate has risen from 5% in 2001 to 60% today, with 22% of these connections on-grid and 38% off-grid. To achieve universal access by 2030, we need approximately 10 million additional connections,” Eng. Bateebe said.

She also stressed the importance of expanding renewable energy technologies, such as solar, geothermal, and wind, to diversify Uganda’s energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.

Currently, electricity access in Uganda stands at 47.1%, with 57.2% of urban areas connected, compared to just 10% in rural regions.

A report jointly published by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), the World Bank, and the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2024, warned that global progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7—universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030—remains off …