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Uganda, known for its surplus energy, is set to join the regional electricity market by November next year. However, the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) has expressed concerns about the lack of essential infrastructure needed for cross-border electricity trade.
During the recent Power and Electric International Expo, Jenkins Miiro, a UETCL representative, emphasized the critical need for infrastructure to facilitate seamless electricity exchange among neighboring countries.
Despite these challenges, Miiro highlighted Uganda’s surplus power as a key advantage in regional trade discussions.
Infrastructure and market rules remain key challenges
Miiro emphasized the importance of having dedicated infrastructure and a market operator for day-to-day monitoring in order to ensure efficient cross-border electricity trade.
The absence of these elements poses significant challenges. Uganda is currently conducting studies to interconnect with neighboring countries, including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Rwanda.
With 97% of its electricity sourced from renewable sources, Uganda has a substantial advantage over many other countries in the region.
Renewable energy infrastructure
Eng. Willy Kiryahika, a renewable energy consultant, stressed the need for government investment in renewable energy infrastructure to capitalize on the potential of regional electricity trade.
Uganda’s strategic central location and existing transmission infrastructure make it capable of effectively transmitting electricity to neighboring countries, generating revenue through exports. The concept of ‘wheeling’ was highlighted as a potential strategy, where Uganda could utilize its transmission network and charge a fee for transporting electricity to neighboring countries.
Overcoming infrastructure hurdles to maximize potential
Although Uganda is poised to become a significant player in the regional electricity market, it faces challenges related to the lack of robust supporting infrastructure. Developing this infrastructure is crucial not only for cross-border electricity trade but also for maximizing Uganda’s renewable energy potential on the international stage.
As preparations intensify and regional partnerships evolve, all eyes are on Uganda’s ability to overcome infrastructure hurdles and emerge as a powerhouse in the regional energy landscape
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![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg)