{"id":14706,"date":"2025-06-26T12:54:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T12:54:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ugandaupdatenews.com\/?p=14706"},"modified":"2025-06-26T13:03:30","modified_gmt":"2025-06-26T13:03:30","slug":"the-inaugural-africa-electricity-summit-opens-in-uganda-energy-minister-nankabirwa-says-technology-is-key-for-universal-access-to-electricity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/the-inaugural-africa-electricity-summit-opens-in-uganda-energy-minister-nankabirwa-says-technology-is-key-for-universal-access-to-electricity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Inaugural Africa Electricity Summit Opens In Uganda , Energy Minister Nankabirwa Says Technology Is Key For Universal Access To Electricity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The inaugural Africa Electricity Symposium has officially opened  in Uganda\u2019s capital Kampala with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD),  Ruth Nankabirwa, calling  for policy shifts to cultivate public-private partnerships and application of  technology to ensure universal access to reliable and affordable electricity on the African continent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cThe objective of these policies should be tailored at ensuring that our energy sector is both sustainable and inclusive, thereby providing opportunities for all Ugandans to access electricity and benefit from its transformative potential,\u201d Nankabirwa told the well attended summit .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are not building an energy sector for today. We are building one for the next generation. That is why we must integrate artificial intelligence, digital grids, battery storage, and energy informatics, and we look to you in academia to lead the way, \u201c she explained .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTogether, let us electrify not only Uganda but the entire African continent,\u201d she stressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government\u2019s strategic objectives include diversifying energy sources, establishing equitable electricity tariffs, improving rural accessibility, and utilising electricity as a fundamental driver of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister Nankabirwa called for the cultivation of public-private partnerships and encouraged academic institutions to contribute relevant studies and climate data to attract international investment for Uganda and Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nankabirwa was accompanied by Eng. Pauline Irene Bateebe, the  Permanent Secretary Ministry  of Energy and Minerals  Development MEMD and Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, the  CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eng. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, underscored the significance of this transformation by stating, \u201cWith the conclusion of Umeme\u2019s concession, UEDCLTD will now undertake responsibilities for electricity distribution. This situation represents an opportunity to establish a model that is more accountable, cost-effective, and centred on the public interest,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The summit also highlighted Uganda\u2019s collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries to develop high-voltage interconnections and promote regional power trading, fostering peace and prosperity within the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Regulatory Authority said thus , \u201cAfrica is experiencing reforms in electricity delivery, rendering it more reliable, affordable, and sustainable. These advancements will support various industries and generate employment opportunities for our increasing youth demographic,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0,\u201dThe summit is being organized under the theme, \u201cPowering Africa: Smart Innovation and Sustainable Energy for Growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Africa Electricity Symposium (AES)<\/a> is a premier event for energy professionals, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, energy enthusiasts and innovators from across the continent and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is aimed at driving advancements in electricity infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and smart grid technology across Africa, creating sustainable solutions for the continent\u2019s growing energy needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During a panel discussion , Dr. Geoffrey Okoboi the Director Economic Regulation at ERA said ,\u201cAs ERA Uganda, we are not sitting idle. Countries are actively working to diversify their energy mix. If each of us can specialize based on our strengths, we can build a more resilient regional energy system. We\u2019re engaged and driving these efforts forward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CPA. Edward Iruura explained in simple terms the differences between traditional corporate financial reporting systems  and regulatory financial reporting to ensure fairness ,transparency and cost effectiveness to benefit the last mile .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201c In essence, corporate finance and regulatory finance are two sides of the same coin applied differently.  Modified rules, often aligned with regulatory frameworks rather than IFRS, govern cost allocation, asset valuation, reconciliation, and data integrity, thereby supporting tariff setting, incentivizing efficiency, and enabling performance tracking in the sector , he stated .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ignacio Perez Arriaga noted that when supported by the government, properly incentivized ,and well placed with in appropriate legal frameworks \u2013concession can be a useful tool for attracting private resources , managerial expertise , and technical know-how to address the enormous challenge of rural electrification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Vianney Mutyaba told the delegates that ERA with its lifeline tarrif is protecting the low income earners who must be brought into the distribution network to ensure electricity access for all .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Background- Uganda\u2019s energy journey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past two decades, Uganda\u2019s energy sector has experienced substantial transformation, with electricity access rising from 7% in 2001 to over 60% in the present day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, the country\u2019s generation capacity is approximately 2,048 megawatts, with peak demand reaching over 1,160 megawatts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The transmission network has expanded to over 5,100 kilometres, while distribution lines now exceed 52,000 kilometres, thus connecting homes, educational institutions, health facilities, and small enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pursuant to the newly implemented Energy Policy 2023 and the national Vision 2040, Uganda seeks to increase its generation capacity to 52,000 megawatts by the year 2040.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editor: msserwanga@gmail.com<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The inaugural Africa Electricity Symposium has officially opened  in Uganda\u2019s capital Kampala with the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14707,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[195],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-africa-continental-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GuRVqgoXwAAnoiz.jpeg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4959,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/energy-minister-nankabirwa-commissions-6-billion-solar-mini-grid-in-lolwe-islands\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":0},"title":"Energy Minister Nankabirwa commissions 6 billion solar mini-grid in Lolwe Islands","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"January 18, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"By Sierra Arinaitwe As part of government\u2019s efforts towards provision of sustainable and clean energy to its citizens, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon Ruth Nankabirwa has \u00a0commissioned a Ug.shs.6bn -600Kw solar Mini-grid in Lolwe Islands, Namayingo District. The launched multibillion project was a partnership undertaken by government\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/lwo-1.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/lwo-1.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/lwo-1.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/lwo-1.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/lwo-1.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4640,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/we-have-a-duty-to-connect-and-sell-affordable-electricity-to-ugandans-energy-minister-nankabirwa\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":1},"title":"WE HAVE A DUTY TO CONNECT AND SELL AFFORDABLE ELECTRICITY TO UGANDANS- ENERGY MINISTER NANKABIRWA","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"November 25, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"By Ugandaupdatenews Reporters in Kamapla Government is committed to improving electricity generation, transmission and distribution to support industrialization \u00a0and ensure increased access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa has said. While delivering a key note address at the Power Forum\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211125-WA0133.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211125-WA0133.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211125-WA0133.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211125-WA0133.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/IMG-20211125-WA0133.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3760,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/ministry-of-energy-to-clear-200500-electricity-connections-backlog-says-minister-nankabirwa\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":2},"title":"MINISTRY OF ENERGY TO CLEAR 200,500 ELECTRICITY CONNECTIONS BACKLOG SAYS MINISTER NANKABIRWA","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"July 30, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"BY OUR REPORTERS The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa has stated that government is now working around the clock to clear a backlog of 200,500 accumulated applications for new electricity connections. This follows Cabinet\u2019s \u00a0\u00a0approval to resume the \u00a0Electricity Connection Policy (ECP) which had been suspended\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Nankabirwa.jpg","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3775,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/manufacturers-will-be-allowed-to-purchase-electricity-direct-from-transmission-companies-to-reduce-power-tarrifs-minister-nankabirwa\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":3},"title":"MANUFACTURERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO PURCHASE ELECTRICITY DIRECT FROM TRANSMISSION COMPANIES TO REDUCE POWER TARRIFS -MINISTER NANKABIRWA","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"August 1, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"By Patrick Kabura The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development will allow t manufacturers\u00a0 \u00a0\/ industries in Uganda to purchase electricity directly from transmission companies to make power more \u00a0affordable for Ugandans. \u201cMy Ministry is spear heading the amendment of the Electricity Act 1999 to provide for purchase of electricity\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Power1.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Power1.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Power1.jpg 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7850,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/manufacturers-to-buy-electricity-directly-from-power-generators-energy-minister-nankabirwa\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":4},"title":"Manufacturers to buy electricity directly from power generators \u2013 Energy Minister Nankabirwa","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"December 31, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"By Sierra Ruth Arinaitwe The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Hon Ruth Nankabirwa has announced that manufactures who qualify will be able to purchase electricity directly from the power generators effective January 2023. According to the minister, a tariff of 5 US Cents per kilowatt hour will be implemented\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nanka.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nanka.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nanka.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nanka.jpg 2x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/nanka.jpg 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3532,"url":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/new-energy-minister-nankabirwa-to-push-for-lower-electricity-tarrifs-to-boost-industrialisation-and-have-many-ugandans-access-power\/","url_meta":{"origin":14706,"position":5},"title":"NEW ENERGY MINISTER NANKABIRWA TO PUSH FOR LOWER ELECTRICITY TARIFFS TO BOOST INDUSTRIALISATION AND HAVE MANY UGANDANS ACCESS POWER","author":"UgandaUpdate","date":"June 27, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Uganda\u2019s new Minister for Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD)\u00a0 Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa has vowed to work towards the fulfilment of the manifesto of the energy sector -focusing mainly \u00a0on the smooth implementation of\u00a0 the oil and gas production \u00a0agreements as well as lowering the electricity tariffs to facilitate industrialization .\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Energy"","block_context":{"text":"Energy","link":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/category\/energy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IMG-20210623-WA0201.jpg","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IMG-20210623-WA0201.jpg 1x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IMG-20210623-WA0201.jpg 1.5x, https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IMG-20210623-WA0201.jpg 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pc0aOV-3Pc","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14706"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14714,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14706\/revisions\/14714"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/prowebinhost.com\/anzu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}