By KT Reporter
The government has signed a 40 billion Shillings grant from the European Union (EU) and the French Development Agency (AFD), to expand the electricity grid and connect more households, businesses, and public institutions in rural and peri-urban areas.
The last mile electrification project (Phase 2), an initiative that will be implemented by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, aims to connect at least 40,000 households across 34 districts and two islands in Lake Victoria: Koome and Bugaya.
The project seeks to bridge Uganda’s electricity access gap by extending the distribution network and ensuring last-mile connections, improving livelihoods, and boosting socio-economic development.
The grant contribution agreement was signed at the Mpigi District Headquarters by Sidronius Okasaai Opolot, Uganda’s Minister of State for Energy; EU Ambassador H.E. Jan Sadek; and representatives from AFD.
Mpigi Chief Administrative Officer Edith Namayega emphasized that the agreement marks a significant step in expanding electricity access, in line with Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
According to Eng. Abdon Atwine, Commissioner for Rural Electrification at the Ministry of Energy, the project involves extending Uganda’s Medium Voltage grid by 1,800km and the Low Voltage distribution network by 1,300km across 34 districts. He urged communities to support the initiative by granting wayleaves for power lines to prevent delays.
The first phase of the project has already impacted over 200,000 people in 16 districts, contributing to economic growth. The EU has so far enabled 1.5 million Ugandans to access electricity, with projections to reach another 3 million by 2027.
EU Ambassador H.E. Jan Sadek highlighted the project’s role in Uganda’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
“This project isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. It’s about schools where children can study in the evening, health centres that can safely store vaccines and farmers who can process and store their produce efficiently. It’s about providing clean e-cooking solutions that improve health and reduce environmental impact,” Sadek stated.
He also urged the Ugandan government to expedite the signing of the associated financing agreement with AFD, pending completion of feasibility studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.
Sadek reaffirmed the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, through which Team Europe aims to bridge the infrastructure investment gap by prioritizing sustainable development. The strategy seeks to mobilize EUR 300 billion globally by 2027, with half of the funds allocated to Sub-Saharan Africa, unlocking over €1 billion in potential investments in Uganda’s energy sector.
With this funding, Uganda moves closer to bridging the electricity gap and fostering inclusive development across rural and peri-urban areas-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
