FDC Questions Power Exports as Rural Electricity Access Remains Low

What the report says

Uganda’s opposition Forum for Democratic Change has urged the government to slow the expansion of electricity exports and focus instead on connecting underserved communities, especially in rural areas. The party argues that many households still lack reliable and affordable power even as the country trades electricity with neighbouring states. The comments were delivered at a media briefing at FDC headquarters in Kampala by vice chairperson Robert Centenary.

Using trade data it said came from the World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution, the party said Uganda exported electricity worth about $60.47 million in 2025, with Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo among the buyers. FDC also pointed to Uganda’s power arrangements with South Sudan, including a 2023 agreement linked to a transmission line between Olwiyo and Juba, and questioned why communities along major infrastructure routes have not seen stronger local benefits.

The party cited Uganda Bureau of Statistics figures showing that in 2024/25 only 29.5% of households used grid electricity for lighting, while the share was 11.4% in rural areas. FDC said those numbers raise questions about past government commitments on rural electrification, including promises in the ruling NRM’s recent manifestos to expand generation, transmission and distribution and connect more households.

FDC is calling for a public implementation report on electricity pledges, faster connections for underserved districts such as West Nile, Buvuma, Obongi and Karamoja, lower connection fees and tariffs, and more transparency on export revenues. The issue matters because Uganda continues to balance regional power trade with domestic access gaps, including in schools, health facilities and trading centres.