Electricity in Uganda in 2022

As of 2022, Uganda's electricity consumption displays a transition towards cleaner energy sources, although it remains heavily reliant on hydropower, which dominates the low-carbon energy production. More than half of Uganda's electricity generation, roughly 4.81 TWh, comes from hydropower, which is part of the total low-carbon generation of around 5.33 TWh. Despite these efforts towards clean electricity, Uganda's per capita electricity consumption remains significantly lower than the global average at 3,638 watts per person, leading to challenges in widespread access to electricity and possibly hindering economic growth and development. This low generation level can exacerbate issues like energy poverty, restrict industrial productivity, and limit educational opportunities reliant on modern technology.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Uganda can draw inspiration from countries that heavily invest in various clean energy technologies. While Uganda cannot match the vast scale of China’s or the United States' electricity generation, it can emulate Brazil's wind power initiatives, which generate 102 TWh. Brazil’s success in harnessing wind energy could provide valuable insights with both countries sharing a similar commitment to green energy advancement in the context of developing economies. Additionally, focusing on solar power—capitalizing on Uganda’s abundant sunlight—can also prove beneficial, as seen in India with its solar capacity reaching 128 TWh. Incorporating nuclear energy could further stabilize and diversify Uganda's electricity mix, learning from countries like South Korea, which has developed a strong nuclear sector capable of generating 178 TWh.

History

Reflecting on the past decades, Uganda's commitment to low-carbon electricity has primarily revolved around hydropower. In the early 1990s and early 2000s, there was a gradual uptick in hydro generation with small increases each year, as seen in 1992 and 2000, marked by additions of 0.2 and 0.3 TWh, respectively. The mid-2000s introduced challenges such as the 2006 hydro decline by 0.7 TWh, but continued resilience saw increasing investments in hydropower from 2012 also paying off with consistent growth. The integration of biofuels began around 2015, although it has displayed minimal fluctuations since. Overall, Uganda’s historical emphasis on hydropower has laid a framework for continuing growth in clean electricity, where further diversification into solar, wind, and potentially nuclear will bolster the country’s sustainable energy future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources