Uganda is making bold strides toward establishing itself as the principal energy hub in the East African region. This ambition is being driven by a deliberate national strategy to enhance regional electricity trade and ramp up investments in robust energy infrastructure. Through these efforts, the country aims to position itself at the heart of energy exchange within Eastern Africa, connecting neighbors and expanding its influence beyond its borders.
Currently, Uganda exports electricity to neighboring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. This cross-border energy trade is a reflection of the growing integration of regional power systems and Uganda’s evolving role as a reliable energy partner in East Africa. By leveraging its central location in the region and building resilient electricity infrastructure, Uganda is working to ensure that it not only meets its own power demands but also supports those of surrounding nations.
Eng. Irene Batebe, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, has sounded the country’s ambition to becoming a central energy player in East Africa. While addressing delegates at the Africa Electricity Symposium held in Kampala, Batebe emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in building a resilient and reliable power supply for the region.
“As a country, we are determined to position Uganda as an energy hub in the East Africa region. And we believe this is tenable for many reasons,” she stated. “Apart from being in the hinterland, we are very keen under the East Africa Power Pool (EAPP) to build resilient systems.”
The East Africa Power Pool is a regional body formed in 2005 to foster coordinated development of power generation and transmission infrastructure among member countries. Uganda currently hosts the Independent Regulatory Board (IRB) of the EAPP, underscoring its central role in the regional energy integration agenda. The EAPP supports coordinated planning and implementation of energy projects and facilitates electricity trade among participating countries, enabling optimal utilization of resources for shared development.
“We are interconnecting with our neighbors,” Batebe said. “We are currently selling power and trading with Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, but we are also working to ensure that we strengthen these regional interconnectors. Our systems must be resilient. We learned from COVID-19 and from the current global geopolitical shifts that as a region, we must collaborate and embed resilience into our energy systems.”
Beyond power exports and regulatory leadership, Uganda has made significant investments in its electricity infrastructure, aimed at increasing generation capacity, improving transmission, and enhancing distribution. These investments form the backbone of Uganda’s strategy to not only meet growing domestic energy demand but also to establish itself as a power supplier to the broader African continent.
Although Uganda’s energy generation has traditionally been dominated by hydropower, the government is now making efforts to diversify its energy mix to include other sustainable sources such as solar, geothermal, and nuclear energy. This diversification is crucial for strengthening energy security, reducing dependence on any single source, and adapting to changing climate and technological conditions.
“The energy sector presents enormous opportunities, especially as we broaden our mix,” Batebe noted. “Geothermal is a promising area. As a ministry, we have undertaken extensive assessments across multiple sites, and we now have reliable data that can help de-risk geothermal investments.”
She added that the government is actively promoting investment in nuclear energy, viewing it as a vital component of Uganda’s future energy strategy. “We are committed to building local capacity in nuclear energy. We are training a critical mass of professionals to ensure that Uganda is ready to implement its nuclear program. Globally, there’s renewed interest in nuclear energy, and Uganda’s policies are aligned with this international push,” she said.
In line with this commitment, Uganda recently signed a landmark contract with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company Ltd (KHNP). The agreement allows KHNP to conduct site evaluation studies for Uganda’s first nuclear power plant, which is to be located in Buyende District. These pre-feasibility studies will provide vital technical and environmental data to guide the government’s decisions on nuclear development.
Uganda is also leveraging its geographical advantage for solar energy development. Sitting astride the equator, the country receives abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it ideal for solar power generation. According to Batebe, local Ugandan companies have started to organize themselves around solar technology, executing projects that reflect the sector’s growth potential.
“There are immense opportunities on the solar side,” Batebe said. “We’ve seen local companies getting involved in delivering solar projects. It’s doable, and what we need is to stay organized and committed to making these solar initiatives a reality.”
In addition to boosting generation, Uganda is also working to expand its transmission and distribution network. This effort is aimed at achieving “last mile” electricity access and ensuring that households and businesses across the country can benefit from affordable and reliable power. Enhancing grid coverage and connectivity is essential for supporting industrialization, job creation, and rural development.
By simultaneously strengthening regional power interconnectors, promoting investment in nuclear and geothermal technologies, expanding solar power usage, and growing its national grid, Uganda is putting in place the foundation for long-term energy resilience. These strategic moves not only enhance Uganda’s capacity to meet its domestic electricity needs but also reinforce its position as a key player in Africa’s future energy landscape.
With a clear vision, strong regional partnerships, and strategic diversification, Uganda is setting itself apart as a serious contender to become East Africa’s central energy hub.
