The ban of commercial charcoal, whose burning also releases high levels of carbon and other pollutants, has largely been welcomed by environmentalists. However, the policy has also highlighted the complexities of transitioning from dirty energies to cleaner sources, a challenge facing virtually every community and country in the world.

Activists across Africa continue to mobilize against the expansion of extractive activities by energy giants Shell and Total in the region. Uganda has recently witnessed a series of student-led protests which have brought global attention to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.

The conference underscored the critical role of GIS technology, as a backbone in monitoring and implementing Uganda’s energy transition plans through data-driven decisions to ensure equitable and adequate energy access for all citizens. The experts reason that GIS is a formidable asset in planning interconnected energy grids.

Solar systems and standalone streetlights have been installed in the biggest market in Kampala’s central business district to help the more than 50,000 traders save on electricity bills. This is the first solar project implemented in an open market in the middle of the city, funded by UNDP in partnership with KCCA.

French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) are moving with pace in the development of oil and gas projects with a potential investment portfolio estimated at more than USD 15 billion. IPS looks at the project’s human rights record for the compensation of affected communities.

The Government has launched an energy policy, which seeks to increase access to and affordability of electricity. The policy also seeks to attract private sector investment to complement public investment in the four segments of generation, transmission, distribution and exports/imports.

The postpaid irrigation systems project, funded by the Danish government, is set to benefit over 12,000 small and medium-holder farmers. The off-taker arrangement, where farmers use the equipment and make payments after production, addresses the common concern of affordability associated with quality solar-powered irrigation systems among farmers.

President Museveni has castigated what he described as “unpatriotic government bodies” especially the power generation sector, which have adamantly refused to support local industries by procuring expensive equipment from foreign countries. Museveni gave the example of electric meters which government bodies procure from abroad.

Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Uganda, announces the launch of its customer feedback platform. This feedback platform comes following the recognition of the top Shell stations in the Clean-up 100 initiative.