By Ben Musanje
Uganda’s electricity access has increased to 62.05 percent, with government reaffirming its commitment to achieving universal electricity coverage by 2030 as the country showcases its energy sector growth, investment opportunities and emerging technologies at the 4th Power & Elec International Expo and Forum 2026.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development says the progress reflects continued investments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, alongside the expansion of decentralized clean energy solutions across the country.
The figures were highlighted by the State Minister for Energy, Sidronius Okaasai Opolot, during a ministerial press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on July 8, 2026, ahead of the three-day Power & Elec International Expo scheduled for July 9–11, 2026 at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) Multipurpose Hall.
The Expo, organized under the theme “Scaling Energy 10X: Technology, Sustainability and Global Impact,” will bring together government leaders, policymakers, investors, manufacturers, technology innovators, development partners and energy experts to explore opportunities for transforming Uganda’s energy sector.
Minister Opolot said Uganda’s energy agenda was shifting from simply increasing electricity generation to ensuring that energy contributes directly to industrialization, enterprise growth, job creation and improved livelihoods.
He explained that the next phase of Uganda’s transformation was not only about producing more electricity, but also about ensuring that every unit of energy generated supports productive enterprises, industrial development, innovation and better living standards for citizens.
Uganda’s installed electricity generation capacity has grown to 2,098 megawatts (MW), supported by the commissioning of major projects including the Karuma Hydropower Project and Nyagak III Hydropower Plant.
The country currently has more than 2.75 million electricity connections, with access comprising 24.05 percent on-grid connectivity and 38 percent off-grid solutions.
Government says it is working towards universal electricity access by 2030 through continued expansion of the national grid, while promoting renewable energy technologies and innovative off-grid solutions.
Opolot said the Ministry’s strategic outlook was guided by three critical questions: where the money was, where the industries were, and where the energy was.
He noted that the questions were intended to ensure that investments in energy and mineral resources generated maximum economic returns, supported value addition and industrial development, and kept Uganda’s electricity supply ahead of growing demand.
The Minister said Uganda was embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, smart grids, battery storage, digital metering and advanced energy management systems, as part of efforts to develop a modern, resilient and globally competitive energy sector.
He added that the Expo demonstrated government’s commitment to positioning energy as a strategic driver of industrialization and socio-economic transformation while supporting Uganda’s Energy Transition Plan through renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean technologies and climate resilience.
The Ministry highlighted several major energy projects under development, including the 840MW Ayago Hydropower Project, 392MW Oriang Hydropower Project, 400MW Kiba Hydropower Project, alongside investments in geothermal, solar and wind energy.
Uganda is also advancing its clean mobility agenda through the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, while strengthening biofuels development through national technical committees.
Preparatory activities for Uganda’s 8,400MW Nuclear Power Programme in Buyende District are progressing, with specialized human resource development being supported through nuclear training programmes at Soroti University.
The Power & Elec International Expo 2026 is expected to attract exhibitors and delegates from China, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and other countries.
The event will provide a platform for business-to-business engagements, investment promotion, technology transfer and knowledge exchange, with a specialized Power & Elec Forum scheduled for July 10 focusing on innovation, start-ups and emerging technologies under the theme “Powering the Future: Innovation Pathways to 10-fold Energy Scale.”
Opolot said Uganda was open to investors and partners willing to provide not only capital but also technology transfer, local capacity building, innovation support and industries that add value within the country.
He encouraged the public, private sector, academia and the media to participate in the Expo and engage with technologies and investment opportunities shaping the future of Uganda’s energy sector. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
