Gov’t calls for private investment in solar, energy storage

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s government is urging more private-sector investment in solar power and energy-storage systems as the country works to meet rising electricity demand and reach universal access by 2030. The appeal was made by Dr Brian Isabirye, commissioner for energy resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, who spoke on behalf of state minister for energy Sidronius Okaasai Opolot at the Partner Summit 2026.

According to the report, Isabirye said private capital is needed to expand generation capacity, improve reliability and help reduce electricity costs for households and industry. He argued that government policy alone cannot finance the scale of investment required and pointed to solar, batteries and other energy technologies as important parts of Uganda’s energy transition. He also acknowledged Huawei’s technical support in national sustainable-energy programmes, especially around inverters and storage systems.

The article says Uganda’s power system has grown in recent years, with hydropower still the main source and about 95% of installed generation capacity coming from renewable energy. It notes the 600MW Karuma Hydropower Project as a major addition, but says the country still faces peak demand of about 1,000MW, frequent outages, distribution losses above 18% and affordability concerns.

Isabirye said the country may need about $8 billion in annual energy-sector investment by the end of the decade. He and other speakers at the summit framed solar as a practical option for factories, hospitals and farms that need backup power and lower operating costs.