In Uganda, electricity consumption is considerably lower than the global average. In 2022, Uganda's electricity consumption stood at about 122 kWh per person, a small fraction compared to the global average of 3,412 kWh per person. The majority of Uganda's clean electricity comes from hydropower, which produced about 5 TWh, while the overall low-carbon electricity generation was around 5.6 TWh. This indicates that low-carbon energy constitutes almost all of Uganda's electricity generation, with fossil fuel generation being virtually absent, which is positive for reducing pollution and combating climate change. However, the vast disparity in electricity consumption levels can lead to limited industrial growth, insufficient electricity access for homes and businesses, and hampered technological advancement.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and Enerdata. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Uganda?
There is a modest upward trend in Uganda's electricity consumption. The latest figures for 2022 show an increase from 115 kWh per person in 2021 to 122 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person rose from 112 kWh to 118 kWh. These incremental changes, though modest, signify progress in expanding electricity access and strengthening Uganda’s commitment to increasing low-carbon electricity generation. This progress, even if slow, is crucial as Uganda seeks to stimulate socioeconomic growth and provide cleaner energy solutions to its population.
Suggestions
To further enhance its electricity generation, Uganda can look towards regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear energy into their power grids. By following the example set by countries like the People's Republic of China and the United States, which have developed extensive solar and nuclear programs, Uganda can diversify its electricity mix. Incorporating solar energy, as seen with China's 1,170 TWh from solar alone, and considering nuclear, with France notable for its 373 TWh from nuclear power, Uganda could significantly increase its clean energy capacity. As these regions have demonstrated, a balanced mix of solar and nuclear can provide reliable, clean electricity that supports economic and technological development sustainably.
History
Uganda's history with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, has seen several periods of growth and occasional decline over the decades. Notably, between the late 1990s and early 2000s, there were consistent, albeit small, upward increments in hydropower generation, with only a couple of exceptions in 2006 and 2009 that marked declines. A more steady and significant increase came after 2012, driven by several boosts in hydropower that continued through to 2022. Biofuels have been a minor contributor and have seen few fluctuations. Despite these developments, there's vast potential for expansion, especially incorporating new sources like solar and nuclear, which could greatly contribute to stabilizing and increasing Uganda's low-carbon electricity supply further.
