Uganda is gearing up for Energy and Minerals Week, a yearly event aimed at promoting sustainable energy and mineral use in the country.
Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), the week-long program will take place from November 13 to 18, 2023.
Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister for Energy Mineral Development emphasized three thematic areas the government is focusing on during Energy and Minerals Week. These include promoting sustainable clean cooking, ensuring affordable and reliable power consumption for industrialization, and leveraging minerals for national development and wealth creation.
“The theme of this year’s Energy and Minerals Week is “Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth,” focusing on the progress made in achieving the nation’s development priorities in the energy and minerals sector. Uganda’s vast resources, including phosphates, copper, cobalt, iron ore, gold, and uranium, play a significant role in the country’s economic development,” Nankabirwa said.
The exhibition to be held at Akamwesi Shopping Mall will showcase innovative products and services related to the energy, minerals, and petroleum industries.
“In addition to the exhibition, several events are scheduled to take place. The Power Forum aims to engage stakeholders in important discussions about power generation, transmission, distribution, and regulation,” she added.
Minister Nankabirwa also revealed that the government aims to protect forests and trees by discouraging the use of firewood and charcoal.
“Efforts are underway to make liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity more affordable for cooking, while advocating for in-country mineral value addition instead of exporting unprocessed minerals,” Nankabirwa noted.
“In line with Uganda’s Energy Policy 2023, the government aims to meet the country’s energy needs for social and economic development in an environmentally sustainable manner. The legal framework for electricity development is guided by the Electricity Act (Amended) of 2022, which outlines procedures for licensees and the government’s involvement in generation assets transfer,” she said.
she said that in order for government to achieve these goals, it is collaborating with the private sector and development partners to construct mini-grids and hydro power projects.
Minister Nankabirwa expressed gratitude to the sponsors of Energy and Minerals Week 2023, including the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), the Energy Efficiency Association of Uganda (EEAU), GIZ Uganda, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the SNV Netherlands Development Organization, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).
Energy and Minerals Week is a crucial initiative that fosters dialogue between stakeholders, promotes efficient energy and mineral use, and contributes to Uganda’s sustainable growth.
