Uganda to produce 2000mw of hydroelectricity

By Ambrose Gahene

KAMPALA

The Energy and Exhibition 2023 week kicked off in Kampala with a call on stakeholders to embrace use of Clean Energy for domestic and commercial use. The call was made by Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, at Akamwesi shopping mall in Kampala on Monday.

“I know there is a value addition for this year’s energy week. We have to utilize these projects to steer Uganda towards a clean energy transition”, she said, while appreciating exhibitors who graced the occasion with low carbon emission appliances and equipment. They included; solar powered cooking stoves, juice making machines, electric motorcycles, and solar Agriculture equipment among others.

Hon. Nankabirwa said Ugandans should transition from use of charcoal for cooking because depletion of trees for charcoal is hazardous to the environment, as trees are sources of rainfall and fresh air needed for both humans and animal livelihood.

She said Uganda targets to produce 2000 Megawatts of hydro electricity from the various hydroelectricity plants in the country, including Karuma Dam, which is expected to generate over 600 megawatts.

“We also have smaller power generating plants that will generate 650 megawatts. We expect an increase in solar, wind and nuclear energy power generation in the near future”, she added.

She also said the Government has constructed mini-grids to power electricity to Islands on Lake Victoria, pointing out that there are 83 Islands in need of electricity.

Mathias Schauer, the Federal Republic of Germany Ambassador to Uganda, said Uganda and Germany economic cooperation started way back in 1969, when the two countries’ cooperation was signed with the Germany Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to support various development projects in Uganda.

“Today, the Federal Republic of Germany supports renewable energy projects in Uganda. These include; solar power and the use of low carbon energy. Germany is currently supporting 70 energy projects in the country because we believe energy is a key factor and driver for economic development,” he said.

He said provision of renewable energy in rural areas is important to benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Schools and households, adding that the projects are aimed at environment protection and energy conservation.

“Germany remains firmly committed to supporting Uganda attain the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2040”, he added.

The present Uganda Vision 2040 lays out the general development objectives for Uganda over a 30-year period. Its goal is to transform Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low-income country to a competitive upper middle income status country.

This year’s Energy week runs from 13-18 November 2023, under the theme: “Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth”