The Uganda government has expressed optimism in the private sector players’ role in advancing the country’s energy mix agenda to accelerate universal access to power by 2040 when Uganda is expected to produce 52,000 megawatts of electricity, State Minister for Energy Sidronious Okasaai Opolot has stated .
The Minister was addressing local and international exhibitors at the launch of Power and Electric Uganda Expo 2023 at the Lugogo UMA Show Grounds in Kampala .
“In order for the government to expeditiously deliver on this plan as provided for in the country’s National Development Plan III and Vision 2040, the contribution of the private sector is eminent to achieve this goal,” he said .
Dr. Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, the Executive Officer of the Uganda Manufacturers Association – UMA observed that the Expo will benefit Ugandan exhibitors through the transfer of technology, and business partnerships to enable growth of the energy sector.
Eng. Abdon Atwiine, the Commissioner of the Electrical Supply Division in the Ministry of Energy, said while the Expo provides awareness and growth opportunities for domestic companies in Uganda, emphasis should be put on the safety, standard, and efficiency of the equipment to the end users.
Mr.Singh Rawat Upender, the High Commissioner of India to Uganda called for the development of the country’s numerous renewable energy resources like bio-energy, water/hydro, solar, and others that can be used for energy production and provision but remain untapped.
“There’s a steady increase in the demand for commodities in the power and electricity segment in Uganda which shows growth in the sector . So I pledge the continuous technical, and financial support of the Indian government to nurture Uganda’s energy sector and economic growth,” he told the exhibitors and other invited guests .
Uganda is endowed with abundant energy resources, which include hydropower, biomass, solar, geothermal, peat, and fossil fuels. However, the s main source of energy is biomass and hydropower power generation which accounts for about 84% of the 822 megawatts total installed capacity so far.
According to the World Bank collection of development indicators in 2021, access to electricity in Uganda was reported at 45.22 percent for the estimated 45 million people. About 60% of the population in urban areas have electricity while in rural only 18%, can access electricity .
Globally, 759 million people – 1 out of 10 – do not have access to electricity to light their homes and an estimated 2.6 billion people rely on dirty biomass fuels such as charcoal, coal, and animal waste for cooking.
The expo has attracted exhibitors from power & elec professionals, importers , exporters, wholesalers and decision makers in government and private sector in the East African Region. Exhibitors from five EAC member states are participating in the exhibition looking to explore the untapped potential of the East Africa Market.
The three-day day event which will end on Saturday 15 July 2023 is a pioneer edition of Uganda’s premium power, electricity, and related industries International Expo. .
The Expo is being conducted under the theme: “Technology, Investment, and Infrastructure Enabling Sustainability”.
