A REVIEW OF THE ENERGY SITUATION IN UGANDA

Abstract

This paper reviews the energy sector of Uganda. As is typical of East Africa, it is characterized by excessive use of Biomass to provide over 90% of the energy needs. Uganda is one of the least developed countries in the region. Hydropower provides over 90% of the total electricity generated in the country while wind, solar and geothermal are under developed. Energy policies are geared towards the use of modern, clean and energy efficient technologies. This is stimulating public private partnerships, attracting multilateral and bilateral agencies to provide funding, grants and technical assistance in renewable energy projects. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the United Nations avail project developers the opportunity to obtain carbon finance. Several challenges hindering the development in the energy sector and utilization of renewable energy resources have been identified. Strategies for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All Initiative have been presented.