Uganda has launched its National Energy Compact, setting ambitious targets to expand electricity access, strengthen clean cooking adoption and attract investments in the energy sector by 2030. The compact was launched by the African Development Bank Group and the Government of Uganda, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, during the 11th Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP) held in Kampala on 22 October 2026.
The two-day forum, conducted from 21 to 22 October at the Kampala Serena Hotel, was organised under the theme “From Mission 300 to Vision 2040: Delivering Uganda’s Energy Ambition”. The event brought together government ministers, utility executives, regulators, development partners and private investors to discuss priority energy projects, policy reforms and financing requirements for implementing the national compact.
The Uganda National Energy Compact forms part of Mission 300, a joint initiative of the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank Group aimed at connecting 300 million additional people across Africa to electricity by 2030. The energy compacts provide countries with data-driven targets, policy measures and investment commitments to accelerate electricity access and support sustainable energy development.
Uganda’s compact targets 85% electricity access and 50% access to clean cooking by 2030. It also aims to achieve approximately 2,500 MW of operational power generation capacity, with an additional 5,800 MW reaching financial close for commissioning after 2030. Other targets include developing 2,712 mini-grids and increasing regional electricity exports to between 500 MW and 650 MW.
The country plans to mobilise $17.7 billion in investments to achieve these objectives, including $9.4 billion in private-sector capital. The investment programme is expected to support infrastructure development, expand electricity distribution and strengthen Uganda’s position in regional power markets.
During the forum, participants developed a Uganda Energy Access Investment Brief aligned with Mission 300. They also identified Category A projects targeted for operation by the end of 2030 and Category B projects expected to reach financial close within the same period. Discussions further resulted in recommendations for policy and regulatory reforms, supported by implementation timelines.
The government also agreed to establish a Compact Delivery and Monitoring Unit within the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. The unit will oversee implementation, monitor progress and strengthen accountability. Its first semi-annual progress report is expected in December 2026.
Uganda’s Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, formally launched the compact and described it as a long-overdue initiative. She encouraged private-sector participation in the country’s energy transformation, highlighting the importance of reliable electricity for agricultural activities, including irrigation, processing and cold storage.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Monica Masanza said the compact provides a clear implementation roadmap with defined timelines, responsibilities and financing arrangements.
Kevin Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth at the African Development Bank Group, highlighted Uganda’s untapped renewable energy potential and planned sector reforms. He also noted the country’s opportunity to strengthen its role in electricity trading through the East African Power Pool.
The compact was first presented at the Africa Energy Forum in June 2026. The Kampala meeting marked its first formal implementation consultation, bringing government institutions and development partners together to accelerate Uganda’s energy ambitions.
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