In Uganda, the state of electricity consumption as of 2022 reflects a blend of low-carbon and fossil fuel sources, with a significant inclination toward the former. The country generated a total of about 5.6 TWh of low-carbon electricity, with hydropower contributing almost 5 TWh of this figure. Despite these contributions, the per capita electricity consumption stood at roughly 122 kWh, which is a small fraction compared to the global average of around 3,649 kWh per person. This low level of electricity generation can pose challenges such as limited industrial growth, educational and healthcare setbacks due to insufficient power supply, and slower economic development. It also necessitates further development in clean energy to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Uganda?
The current trajectory of electricity use in Uganda demonstrates an encouraging, albeit modest, upward trend. Reports from 2022 highlighted a rise in total electricity consumption to 122 kWh per person, which represents a slight increase from the previous year's figure of 115 kWh per person—an improvement of 7 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation also saw a rise, reaching 118 kWh per person in 2022, up from 112 kWh per person in 2021, marking a change of 6 kWh. These numbers suggest that Uganda is on a path of gradual growth in both general and clean electricity consumption, signaling the potential for more significant advancements in the near future.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation further, Uganda can draw inspiration from regions that have successfully increased their solar and nuclear power capabilities. Observing countries like China, which generated a striking 1,119 TWh and 1,092 TWh from solar and wind respectively, indicates a robust approach towards harnessing solar energy. Similarly, nuclear power, thriving in nations such as the United States and France, with outputs of 778 TWh and 370 TWh respectively, showcases an alternative path for sustainable growth. With Uganda's promising solar potential, replicating models of solar expansion seen in countries like China and Japan, combined with considering nuclear advancements, could significantly bolster Uganda's low-carbon energy capacity.
History
Historically, Uganda's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced various fluctuations. In the late 20th century, hydropower saw modest increases with increments in 1992 and 2000 by 0.2 TWh and 0.3 TWh respectively. The early 2000s observed ups and downs, such as the decline of 0.7 TWh in 2006 and a slump in 2009, followed by recovery years later. The 2010s and early 2020s marked more consistent growth in low-carbon sources, with significant expansion in 2012 by 0.9 TWh and a steady climb in subsequent years. Mirroring this trend, biofuels added a small yet notable contribution in 2015 and 2021. While the journey has been a mix of growth and challenges, the more recent steady increases offer a foundation for optimistic future progress in Ugandan low-carbon electricity.
