Uganda Launches First-Ever Youth Energy Summit to Champion Sustainable Energy Future

Uganda has launched its first-ever Youth Energy Summit (YES 2025), with State Minister for Energy Phiona Nyamutoro calling on young people to take the lead in driving the country’s transition to sustainable and inclusive energy systems.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Nyamutoro said the summit aims to harness the energy, innovation, and creativity of Uganda’s youth to advance the national Energy Transition Plan and expand access to clean, affordable energy.

“Uganda has made significant progress in expanding energy access, with electrification rates steadily rising and investments in renewable energy gaining momentum,” she said.

“We have abundant resources such as hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal, nuclear, and biomass waiting to be harnessed sustainably and inclusively.”

Despite this progress, Nyamutoro noted that millions of Ugandans still live without access to electricity and rely on traditional cooking methods that pose serious health and environmental risks.

“The task ahead remains enormous,” she said. “The majority of Ugandans still lack access to electricity, and many rely on pollutant cooking methods that compromise health, degrade the environment, and limit productivity.”

She urged young Ugandans to take an active role in shaping a clean energy future.

“Together, we can create an energy future that is not only sustainable but also just, equitable, inclusive, and fueled by our own solutions,” Nyamutoro said.

“It is time for young people to champion our Energy Transition Plan.”

The Youth Energy Summit represents a significant step in recognizing young people as key stakeholders in Uganda’s energy future.

It seeks to empower youth-led innovations, build technical capacity, and foster inclusive dialogue around clean energy policy and development.

By equipping young Ugandans with tools and platforms to lead, officials believe the summit can spark a transformative shift towards universal energy access and a greener, more resilient economy.