KAMPALA, UGANDA – Uganda’s electricity exports have experienced remarkable growth, with earnings reaching $184.7 million (Shs655 billion) over the last five years. According to the Bank of Uganda, electricity exports increased by 43% during this period.
The country exported 1.95 million megawatts per hour of electricity between June 2020 and June 2024.
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Earnings grew from $21 million (Shs75.6 billion) in June 2020 to $48.8 million (Shs175 billion) in June 2024.
Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communication and Information Management at the Ministry of Energy, attributed the growth to increased demand from Kenya, the commissioning of the Mbarara-Mirama 220kv Transmission line, and growing demand from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Government is prioritizing cross-border transmission lines,” Dr. Litho said. “Plans are underway to construct a transmission line to Nimule, connecting to a virgin market in South Sudan.”
Uganda has intensified its operations in the East African Power Pool, leveraging its excess electricity production to increase exports.
The country’s installed capacity has grown by 67% since 2019, reaching 2,048.1 megawatts as of June 2024.
Renewable energy projects contribute 95% of Uganda’s total generation capacity. The recent commissioning of the Karuma Hydroelectric Power plant added 600 megawatts to the sector.
This growth in electricity exports is expected to contribute to Uganda’s economic growth, projected to exceed 7% in the 2024/25 financial year. The electricity sub-sector will play a vital role in Uganda’s industrialization efforts.
Key Statistics:
- 43% increase in electricity exports over five years
- $184.7 million (Shs655 billion) earned from electricity exports
- 1.95 million megawatts per hour exported between June 2020 and June 2024
- 67% growth in installed capacity since 2019
- 95% of generation capacity from renewable energy projects
