HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) and the country’s wider electricity sector have surpassed 2.75 million electricity connections nationwide, pushing national electricity access to 62.05 percent, Energy Minister Dr Monica Musenero Masanza has announced.
The milestone, she said, reflects the government’s sustained investment in electricity generation, transmission and distribution, with the country now shifting its focus from simply producing power to ensuring electricity drives industrialisation, job creation and economic transformation.
Speaking during a ministerial press briefing ahead of the 4th Power & Elec International Expo 2026, Dr Musenero said Uganda has registered remarkable progress in expanding access to electricity over the past two decades, positioning the country for accelerated socio-economic development.
According to the minister, Uganda now has more than 2.75 million electricity connections across the country, while overall electricity access has increased to 62.05 percent.
She explained that the coverage comprises 24.05 percent on-grid electricity access and 38 percent off-grid access, reflecting government’s deliberate strategy of combining national grid expansion with decentralized clean energy solutions, especially in rural communities.
“Uganda’s electricity sector has recorded significant progress over the years. Installed generation capacity has grown to 2,098 MW, supported by the recent commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project and Nyagak III Hydropower Plant. Electricity access has reached 62.05 percent, comprising 24.05 percent on-grid and 38 percent off-grid, with more than 2.75 million electricity connections nationwide,” Dr Musenero said.
She noted that government remains committed to achieving universal electricity access by 2030, with investments continuing in both grid infrastructure and off-grid renewable energy technologies to ensure no part of the country is left behind.
The minister said Uganda’s next phase of development is no longer centred solely on generating additional electricity but on ensuring that every unit of energy contributes directly to economic growth.
“The next phase of Uganda’s transformation is not simply about generating more electricity. It is about ensuring that every unit of energy powers productive enterprise, supports industrialisation, creates jobs, drives innovation and improves the livelihoods of our people,” she said.
Dr Musenero explained that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has adopted a new strategic outlook guided by three key questions: “Where is the money? Where are the industries? And where is the energy?”
She said these questions are intended to ensure that investments in Uganda’s energy and mineral sectors generate maximum economic returns while supporting value addition and industrial development.
The minister also highlighted Uganda’s expanding electricity generation capacity, which has now reached 2,098 megawatts, largely due to the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project and Nyagak III Hydropower Plant.
She revealed that government is already planning for future demand through several major power projects, including the 840MW Ayago Hydropower Project, 392MW Oriang, 400MW Kiba, geothermal energy development and continued investment in solar, wind and nuclear energy.
Beyond conventional electricity generation, Dr Musenero said Uganda is embracing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart grids, battery storage, digital metering and advanced energy management systems to build a more efficient and globally competitive energy sector.
She added that government is also advancing its clean mobility agenda through the establishment of a national electric vehicle charging infrastructure and preparations for the country’s planned 8,400MW nuclear power programme in Buyende District.
The minister made the remarks while launching the 4th Power & Elec International Expo 2026, which runs from July 9 to 11 at the UMA Multipurpose Hall under the theme, “Scaling Energy 10X: Technology, Sustainability and Global Impact.” The expo brings together government officials, investors, manufacturers, technology innovators and development partners to showcase opportunities in Uganda’s rapidly growing energy sector.
Dr Musenero invited the public, private sector, academia and the media to participate in the exhibition, emphasizing that admission is free and that the event provides an opportunity to explore the technologies and investments shaping Uganda’s energy future.
