Women must be at the forefront of Uganda’s energy transition if the country is to unlock its full potential, British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, asserted during the Women in Energy Forum at Hotel Africana.
"Development that excludes women is delayed development” setting a compelling tone for a dialogue centered on inclusion, innovation, and opportunity.
Stressing that energy transformation must be both equitable and strategic, she underscored the critical role women must play in shaping Uganda’s sustainable future.
Chesney praised the leadership and resilience of Ugandan women already contributing meaningfully to the sector as engineers, project managers, entrepreneurs, regulators, and community champions.
“These women are not just participating in the sector , they are shaping its future,” she said.
She called for more inclusive policy-making, equitable financing, and intentional support for women-led innovations, particularly in clean cooking, electricity access, and climate-smart solutions.
Commending Uganda’s ongoing efforts, she emphasized the need for “deeper commitments across boardrooms, communities, and government agencies,” insisting that systemic change is key to accelerating progress.
Chesney further highlighted the UK government’s contributions to Uganda’s energy transformation through strategic investments and partnerships focused on “affordable, accessible, and sustainable energy.”
She stressed the importance of “gender-responsive programming that creates opportunities for women and girls,” reinforcing that inclusion is not just a matter of fairness, but of national and economic strength.
“Let us be clear,” she said, “gender inclusion is not just about fairness. It is smart economics. It leads to stronger institutions, better outcomes, and more resilient communities.”
Addressing the young women, she encouraged them to “take up their space,” reminding them that their “voices and skills are vital to the country’s energy future.”
She urged collective action, saying, “When we walk forward together, men and women alike – progress is faster, our impact greater, and our future brighter.”