Uganda’s Energy Transition: Experts Urge Media to Look Beyond Electricity Connections

What the report says

KAMPALA, Uganda — Watchdog Uganda reports that energy and climate experts urged journalists to evaluate Uganda’s energy transition by more than the number of households connected to the grid. The message came during a media capacity-building workshop organized by Uganda’s Little Hands Go Green under the REPower Uganda Advocacy Working Group, with participants including environmental advocates, media practitioners and policy stakeholders.

According to the report, the workshop focused on decentralized renewable energy, energy equity and climate resilience. Speakers said solar mini-grids, home systems and solar water pumps can help off-grid communities, but stressed that access should also be judged by affordability, upkeep, availability of spare parts and local technical capacity. They also encouraged reporters to examine how energy access affects health services, learning, farming and small businesses, rather than stopping at project launch announcements.

The article quotes climate advocate Anthony Walimbwa as saying installation alone does not guarantee lasting service, while Emmy Kabishanga urged media to connect official infrastructure claims with the daily reality of users. Hanna Rhoda Nabayunga highlighted the need for policies that include women, youth and age-diverse communities in energy planning. Media consultant Eddie called for follow-up reporting on whether renewable-energy projects remain functional and are actually being used. The broader point, the story says, is that Uganda’s energy transition should be measured by whether power is dependable, affordable and equitable for communities.