Uganda advances 8,400MW nuclear power programme, EV charging network

Government says preparations for Uganda's 8,400-megawatt nuclear power programme in Buyende District and the rollout of a national electric vehicle charging network are gathering pace as the country shifts its energy strategy towards industrialisation, innovation and economic transformation.

Government has announced that preparations for Uganda's 8,400-megawatt Nuclear Power Programme in Buyende District are progressing alongside plans to establish a nationwide electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure as part of efforts to modernise the country's energy sector.

The developments will be among the key highlights of the 4th Power & Elec International Expo 2026, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 11 at the UMA Multipurpose Hall in Kampala.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Dr Monica Musenero Masanza, said Uganda's energy agenda has shifted from simply expanding electricity generation to ensuring power supports industrialisation, innovation and long-term economic transformation.

"The next phase of Uganda's transformation is not simply about generating more electricity. It is about ensuring that every unit of energy powers productive enterprise, supports industrialisation, creates jobs, drives innovation and improves the livelihoods of our people," Dr Musenero said.

She said government is developing a regulatory framework and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles while strengthening biofuels development and building the skilled workforce required for the country's planned nuclear energy programme through specialised training at Soroti University.

Dr Musenero said Uganda's installed electricity generation capacity has increased to 2,098 megawatts following the commissioning of the Karuma Hydropower Project and Nyagak III Hydropower Plant.

She added that electricity access has risen to 62.05 per cent, comprising 24.05 per cent on-grid access and 38 per cent off-grid access, with more than 2.75 million electricity connections established across the country.

Government is also advancing several major power generation projects, including the 840MW Ayago, 392MW Oriang and 400MW Kiba hydropower projects, alongside continued investment in geothermal, solar, wind and nuclear energy.

The minister said Uganda is positioning itself to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, smart grids, battery storage, digital metering and advanced energy management systems to improve efficiency, strengthen grid reliability and enhance the competitiveness of the energy sector.

The three-day expo, themed "Scaling Energy 10X: Technology, Sustainability and Global Impact," will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers and technology companies from Uganda and several other countries, including China, India, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey.

Dr Musenero invited investors to partner with Uganda by investing in technology transfer, innovation and industrial development, saying the country is seeking strategic partnerships that will accelerate value addition and support its ambition of achieving ten-fold economic growth.

"We invite investors to partner with Uganda in technology transfer, innovation and industrial development as we work towards building a modern, sustainable and globally competitive energy sector," she said.

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