By In a landmark move aimed at boosting rural electrification, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called for robust support for the Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP), a transformative initiative designed to connect over 1.3 million rural households to the national power grid. Launched recently in Mitooma District, the multi-billion-dollar project is poised to significantly enhance energy access for households, commercial enterprises, and public institutions in rural Uganda.
Tayebwa, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Mitooma District, lauded the EASP as a crucial driver of rural development. He emphasized the project’s potential to uplift local communities by improving their quality of life and economic prospects. As a fervent advocate for progress, Tayebwa underscored the EASP’s alignment with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plans (NDP) II and III, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which aims to achieve universal energy access by 2030.
The EASP, co-financed by the World Bank with an investment of $638 million, will facilitate both on-grid and off-grid connections to enhance energy access nationwide. Tayebwa praised the collaboration between the World Bank, the Ugandan government through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and other stakeholders in advancing sustainable development. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its financial support, reflecting a shared vision for a prosperous future.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, assured the public that by 2030, all Ugandans will have full access to electricity as a result of the EASP. She highlighted the project’s comprehensive approach, encompassing grid expansion, financial intermediation, and support for refugee host communities. Nankabirwa emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive development, particularly benefiting female-headed households, in line with the Electricity Connections Policy 2018 and the Energy Policy 2023.
Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, outlined the EASP’s objectives, including financing energy access in refugee host communities and extending electricity to settlements and host district communities via grid networks or stand-alone solar technologies.
Local Members of Parliament also voiced their support for the project. Mitooma District Woman MP Juliet Agatha praised the President for steering the country in the right direction and expressed gratitude for the new power project in the district. She urged the Energy Ministry to extend electricity to all areas to enhance household incomes.
Buhweju County Member of Parliament, Francis Mwijukye, described the EASP as a significant boost to development, noting its positive impact on land value. He expressed readiness on behalf of the Buhweju community to welcome the project.
Set to be implemented over five years, the EASP represents a vital step toward achieving Uganda’s goal of universal energy access by 2030. By providing electricity to millions of households, the project will not only transform lives but also contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. The increased access to electricity will foster business growth, create employment opportunities, and stimulate local economic development.
In addition to expanding and strengthening the electricity distribution network, the EASP aims to scale up service connections, increase access to off-grid electricity in refugee settlements and host communities, and promote clean cooking services. Building on previous government initiatives in the energy sector, the EASP marks a significant advancement in Uganda’s progress toward sustainable energy solutions.
