The Government of Uganda has set an ambitious goal of transforming the country into a $500 billion economy through clean, affordable, and sustainable energy, underscoring its commitment to industrial growth, job creation, and inclusive development.
This target is outlined under the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which redefines energy not merely as a utility but as a key driver of job creation, industrial development, and long-term socioeconomic transformation.
“Through the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, Uganda aims to fuel a USD 500 billion economy powered by clean, affordable, and sustainable energy that drives industrialization, supports livelihoods, and secures a brighter future for every citizen,” Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said.
She made this while addressing participants at the Sustainable Energy Development Programme Performance Review, held in conjunction with the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2025 (REC25) in Kampala.
The three-day event attracted over 500 participants from government, the private sector, civil society, and development partners to review sector progress, exchange innovations, and identify new investment opportunities.
Uganda’s energy access rate has reached 60%, reflecting continued investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure nationwide.
Major transmission projects—including Karuma–Kawanda (248 km), Gulu–Kole–Nebbi–Arua (298 km), and Opuyo–Moroto (160 km)—have enhanced grid reliability and expanded electricity supply to homes, industries, and social facilities.
Under the theme “From Access to Impact: Powering Uganda’s Transformation through Sustainable Energy,” Nankabirwa said the next phase, aligned with NDP IV, will focus on scaling generation capacity to 15,420 MW by 2030 and 52,481 MW by 2040, alongside modernizing networks and promoting off-grid systems.
Recent projects such as the 6 MW Nyagak III Hydropower Plant and the 20 MW Nkonge Solar PV Plant have added new capacity, while more than 200,000 new grid connections have been made, integrating the West Nile region into the national grid for the first time.
Off-grid and mini-grid initiatives remain vital in bringing electricity to remote communities, bridging the country’s energy divide.
As part of its clean energy transition, the government is implementing the Biofuels Blending Programme and the National Clean Cooking Strategy to curb dependence on biomass and protect the environment.
At REC25, Uganda also launched the Clean Cooking Unit (CCU), a national initiative that seeks to transition 50% of households to clean cooking technologies by 2030.
The programme is backed by UK bilateral support and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) initiative. The British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, hailed the initiative, stressing that clean cooking access is essential for public health, gender equality, and climate resilience.
Minister Nankabirwa lauded the collaboration between government, development partners, and the private sector, urging sustained momentum toward the country’s clean energy goals.
“We must continue working together to build an energy sector that powers industries, lights every home, and positions Uganda as a regional leader in energy-led transformation,” she emphasized.
Uganda’s evolving energy landscape underscores a shift toward sustainability, equity, and economic resilience, with clean energy positioned as a central pillar of its development agenda. As the transition accelerates, energy will not only power homes and businesses but also propel Uganda’s rise as a competitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy.
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