THE RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY FOR UGANDA

Abstract

Introduction The Energy Policy for Uganda which was approved by Cabinet and published in September 2002 laid down Government’s commitment to the development and utilization of renewable energy resources and technologies. This Renewable Energy Policy document, which was approved by Cabinet on the 29th March 2007, therefore reinforces that commitment.

The implementation of the policy objectives will positively respond to the various policy instruments and programmes, which address poverty, catalyze industrialization and protect the environment. These include; the Uganda Constitution 1995, the Poverty Eradication and Action Plan, the Millennium Development Goals, the Electricity Act 1999, the National Environment Act 1995, the Programme for the Modernization of Agriculture and the Kyoto Protocol.

The following stakeholders should take particular interest in the provisions of this Policy: Project Sponsors; Consultants; Contractors; Manufacturers; Equipment Dealers; Training and Research Institutions; Media Houses; Central Government Ministries; Local Governments; Parastatals; Civil Society Organisations; Financial Institutions and Development Partners. The overall objective of the Renewable Energy Policy is to diversify the energy supply sources and technologies in the country. In particular, the policy goal is to increase the use of modern renewable energy from the current 4% to 61% of the total energy consumption by the year 2017. In this respect, the following key areas have therefore been addressed.