The total energy consumption in Uganda is estimated at over 5 million tons of oil of which 93% is derived from biomass (wood/ charcoal and agricultural residue); electricity and oil products constitute 7%. Uganda generates its own electric power from Nalubaale, Bujjagali, Kilembe, Mpanga, Nyangaki, Bugoye hydropower stations, and thermal stations.

The energy consumption pattern shows that residential related activities account for 70.3 % of total use. The rest is accounted for by commercial use (13.6 %), Industrial use (10.7%), transport use (5%) and other uses (0.4%). Most of the energy consumed for residential activities is woody biomass energy, which cannot be used in industries in its raw form. The low level of access to electricity energy, high tariff and low generation capacity explains why the majority of Ugandans use woody biomass energy as a source of fuel.

Although, the consumption of electricity per capita is low, Uganda has an estimated hydropower potential of (over 4,500MW), biomass co-generation (1,650 MW), geothermal (450MW), peat power (800MW), high solar power and fossil fuel thermal potential as well as a high nuclear energy potential.

Exploitation of these potentials will massively reduce the deficit with time. Uganda exports some of the generated power to neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda. The total exports to these three countries are expected to be more than 180MW in the near future. Energy sources available in Uganda include fuel wood, charcoal, bagasse, petroleum products and electricity (hydro and thermal). Read More