Instead of being charged 720,000 Ugandan shillings per connection, the Ministry of Energy has provided an opportunity for domestic users free electricity connections. However, users are strongly advised to assume full responsibility and engage professional electricians during the connection.”We are committed to ensuring universal access to clean energy by 2030, leaving no one behind,” stated the ministry during a press briefing on June 4, 2024.
The Minister of State for Energy, Honorable Okaasai Opolot, reassured the public that only a nominal fee of 23,000Ugshs would be required for inspection, and emphasized that UMEME has been allocated 2000 meters for the purpose of connecting electricity to households.
“The project which we are talking about aims to facilitate connectivity for a minimum of 1 million households within the next 2 to 3 years. As a result, I encourage the general public to submit their applications to UMEME for complimentary installations,” emphasized Okaasai.
Okaasai has highlighted that the existing electricity tariffs have been reduced by 1.5%. The revised rates are as follows: residential consumers are charged Ugshs 803.0/Kwh, commercial clients Ugshs 606.2/Kwh,, medium-sized industrial consumers Ugshs 452.1/Kwh, large industrial consumers Ugshs 383.4/Kwh, Extra-large industrial consumers Ugshs 324.5/Kwh, and Street lighting facilities Ugshs 370.0/Kwh.
Okaasai further disclosed that the government intends to embrace cleaner and more efficient transportation technologies as a key component of the energy transition plan. The Ministry of Energy embarked on promotion of electric mobility and as of March 2024, Uganda has about 1098 electric vehicles as the minister elanbotates. “In our energy policy of 2023,,we intend to create a conducive environment for adoption of electric vehicles in the country.” He articulates.
He has highlighted the recent installation of an electric charging station at the Ministry headquarters, along with the ongoing development of a regulatory framework in this regard. “As a Minister of Energy, we are keen on ensuring that we have sustainable electric charging infrastructure and ecosystem throughout the country.” He emphasized.
Additionally the government is promoting nuclear energy where it has established a 8400MWe nuclear power plant in Buyende district and nuclear training program is being set up at Soroti University according to Okaasai.
