Uganda’s Race to 100% Electricity Access: How ERA Is Powering Progress Amid Affordability Challenges
Uganda is making bold strides toward universal electricity access by 2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), which seeks to provide affordable and reliable energy for all. According to the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), national electricity access has reached 60%—a significant leap driven by policy reforms, donor-backed initiatives, and infrastructure investment.
“We are currently at a 60% access level,” said ERA CEO Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, while speaking at the recent Africa Electricity Symposium in Kampala.
Despite this achievement, affordability remains a major barrier. Many Ugandans, particularly in rural areas, still view electricity as a distant luxury. As Waako explains, “Power is meaningless to people who can’t afford it. It becomes just wires flying above their homes.”
Uganda’s Power Tariff Dilemma
Uganda’s power tariffs remain among the highest in the region—averaging 20 US cents per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, Tanzania, which heavily subsidizes electricity, charges 14.9 US cents, while Burundi charges 23.8 US cents.
To close this gap, ERA is exploring cross-subsidization models, last-mile connection subsidies, and integrated resource planning aimed at boosting grid reliability and making electricity more affordable.
Ongoing Reforms and Future Projects
Uganda’s energy strategy is focused on both expanding access and strengthening supply. This includes investments in:
- The 804MW Ayago hydropower plant, a key project to prevent future generation deficits.
- Transmission lines reaching remote regions across Uganda.
- Upgraded substations and overloaded transformers to meet growing demand.
“We’re ensuring that as we connect more people, the supply remains reliable and safe,” Waako emphasized. She added that maintenance and quick response systems are crucial to handling operational disruptions.
World Bank Support and Rural Electrification
The government’s electrification drive is backed by the World Bank, which is financing programs to accelerate connections, especially in underserved communities. Projects for network densification and intensification are also underway to ensure people not only get connected but also consistently receive quality power