The Opposition argues that Uganda’s slow progress in expanding electricity access is stalling economic growth, especially in rural areas. With a heavy reliance on hydro energy and insufficient investment in renewables, the country faces power shortages that disrupt businesses and agriculture.
The Opposition has criticized the Ugandan government for its sluggish progress in expanding electricity access, warning that limited power supply is stifling economic productivity and worsening rural poverty. Only 30% of the population is connected to the grid, with rural access standing at a mere 7%.
Uganda’s slow pace of electricity expansion is drawing criticism from the Opposition, which warns that limited access to reliable power is hampering economic growth and job creation.
While presenting the 2025/26 Alternative Ministerial Policy for the Energy and Minerals Sector, the Shadow Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Evans Kanyike, expressed concern over the country’s reliance on hydro energy. He argued that Uganda’s dependence on hydropower—accounting for over 80% of its electricity—makes the nation vulnerable to seasonal rainfall changes and frequent power shortages.
“When there’s low rainfall, power shortages become common, affecting both consumers and businesses. Despite Uganda’s vast potential for renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, the government has failed to implement a robust policy framework to attract investment and scale up these projects,” Kanyike stated.
The Opposition contends that insufficient electricity access is having the most severe impact on rural areas. With only 7% of rural households connected to the grid, the lack of power has stifled small-scale industries and disrupted agricultural productivity.
Agriculture, which accounts for a significant portion of Uganda’s economy, could benefit greatly from improved electrification. Kanyike argued that reliable power would facilitate agro-processing, improve storage facilities, and reduce post-harvest losses, offering rural communities better income opportunities.
“Access to reliable power could drastically improve productivity and create income-generating opportunities. Yet Uganda’s energy sector remains underdeveloped, with limited access to electricity, particularly in rural areas,” Kanyike noted.
He urged the government to diversify its energy sources by investing in renewable projects like solar, wind, and geothermal power to address the growing demand for electricity.
The government has defended its energy policies by pointing to major infrastructure projects like the Karuma Hydropower Plant, but critics argue that these large-scale initiatives have not translated into broader electricity access for the average Ugandan.
As Uganda moves toward the 2025/26 fiscal year, the Opposition insists that without urgent reforms and increased investment in renewable energy, the country risks deepening inequality and falling behind regional peers in energy access and economic growth.
