– Advertisement –
The Government of Uganda has launched a significant project aimed at addressing the challenge of electricity connectivity, particularly in rural areas. Currently, there are fewer than two million connections to the national grid, leaving many communities without access to electricity. In response to this issue, the government has initiated a new project with the goal of increasing electricity connections to 4.5 million households and commercial establishments.
The Electricity Access Scale-up Project, launched in Katakwi District by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, is a key component of this endeavor. Implemented in collaboration with the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company and funded by a Shs2.4 trillion World Bank program, the project aims to provide free-of-charge electricity connections in both rural and urban areas.
Minister Nankabirwa emphasized the importance of electricity in enabling economic activities, highlighting its role in empowering individuals to engage in entrepreneurial ventures. While acknowledging that electricity is a necessary but costly service, she emphasized the need for beneficiaries to explore business opportunities and generate income to sustain their connection.
Under the Electricity Access Scale-up Project, the objective is to extend power to 4.5 million connections, with a particular focus on ensuring that 300,000 of these connections are allocated to female-headed households. This initiative not only aims to increase access to electricity but also to promote gender equality and empower women economically.
– Advertisement –
In addition to this project, the government is continuing its efforts in rural electrification, with funding support from the African Development Bank. Minister Nankabirwa announced the continuation of rural electrification activities, urging service providers to prioritize the completion of ongoing projects, especially in Teso region.
Eng Abdon Atwine, the Ministry of Energy commissioner for rural electrification, highlighted that the government has secured $100 million from the African Development Bank for rural electrification projects. A portion of this funding, amounting to $4.8 million, will be allocated to install transformers and extend power to villages in Bukedea that were previously underserved.
Related
– Advertisement –
