The Minister for Energy and Mineral Resources Eng. Irene Muloni has implored government to synchronize power generation with transmission and distribution, in a bid to shore up electricity production to support industrialization.
The Minister, speaking at the 7th Ministry of Energy Sector Review 2017 held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, said the move to double the generation capacity from the current 900MW will lead to the development and deliver Uganda to the middle income status.
“Our focus is to ensure all sub counties are connected to the grid; 117 of 121 districts are now connected hydro power, however by the end of 2018, we will double our generation capacity from the current 900MW and expand power transmission and distribution,” she said.
According to Eng. Muloni, government is promoting private sector investment in Mini-Grids to accelerate electricity access in all areas of Uganda including industrial parks and mining areas to enable the procession of minerals and goods with a common motive of adding value to products.
Further, according to the Minister, the government is using a multi-pronged approach to reduce the tariff for power from Bujagali Energy Limited. This, she said, includes acquiring loans to clear debts and to transmit power to Ugandans and, export to neighbouring countries such as Rwanda.
She also said her ministry will emphasise on environmental preservation measures as oil exploration starts
‘’Armour Energy and Oranto Petroleum have received three oil and gas exploration licenses therefore Uganda has taken important steps in securing and developing local content in the oil sector without restricting investment,” she added.
Speaking at the function, the First Deputy Prime Minister Gen Moses Ali, who flagged off Energy Review Week, said that the energy and minerals sector will enable the development of other sectors “since more funds is expected out of Oil that will start flowing in Uganda by the year 2020.”
“Infrastructural development will be enhanced when government saves and allocate funds for their development rather than relying on donors,” Gen Ali noted.
He also revealed that the government is developing the National Suppliers and Talent Database in preparation for the Oil works, adding that Uganda is on its development stage of the petroleum value chain.
