On June 25, 2025, Uganda hosted the inaugural Africa Electricity Summit (AES) at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala. This significant event assembled leaders, researchers, business representatives, and development partners from across the continent.
The summit’s theme, “Powering Africa: Smart Innovation and Sustainable Energy for Growth”, aimed to unite key stakeholders in discussing strategies to shape Africa’s energy future through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.
Over the past two decades, Uganda’s energy sector has experienced substantial transformation, with electricity access rising from 7% in 2001 to over 60% in the present day.
Currently, the country’s generation capacity is approximately 2,048 megawatts, with peak demand reaching over 1,160 megawatts.
The transmission network has expanded to over 5,100 kilometres, while distribution lines now exceed 52,000 kilometres, thus connecting homes, educational institutions, health facilities, and small enterprises.
Pursuant to the newly implemented Energy Policy 2023 and the national Vision 2040, Uganda seeks to increase its generation capacity to 52,000 megawatts by the year 2040.
This initiative aims to enhance power supply, boost productivity, create opportunities, and promote equity within the energy sector.
The government’s strategic objectives include diversifying energy sources, establishing equitable electricity tariffs, improving rural accessibility, and utilising electricity as a fundamental driver of development.
“The objective is to ensure that our energy sector is both sustainable and inclusive, thereby providing opportunities for all Ugandans to access electricity and benefit from its transformative potential,” said Hon.Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
Eng. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, underscored the significance of this transformation by stating, “With the conclusion of Umeme’s concession, UEDCLTD will now undertake responsibilities for electricity distribution. This situation represents an opportunity to establish a model that is more accountable, cost-effective, and centred on the public interest.”
The summit also highlighted Uganda’s collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries to develop high-voltage interconnections and promote regional power trading, fostering peace and prosperity within the region.
Minister Nankabirwa called for the cultivation of public-private partnerships and encouraged academic institutions to contribute relevant studies and climate data to attract international investment.
“Africa is experiencing reforms in electricity delivery, rendering it more reliable, affordable, and sustainable,” observed Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority.
“These advancements will support various industries and generate employment opportunities for our increasing youth demographic.”
In her closing remarks, Minister Nankabirwa articulated a compelling vision: “Together, let us electrify not only Uganda but the entire African continent.”