The ministry also reported a reduction in power tariffs due to diversified energy sources

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development insists it cannot effect the payment of the outstanding debt to UMEME, stating that the Auditor General must first intervene to verify the actual balance. The Minister of Energy, Ruth Nankabirwa, clarified that she lacks the mandate to authorize any transaction until a harmonization process between both parties is concluded.

Addressing a press conference at the Media Centre in Kampala, the minister revealed that $118 million (approximately 428.99 billion Ugandan shillings) had already been disbursed, but negotiations are still ongoing to resolve the remaining issues.

Progress in Power Production

Meanwhile, the ministry is in advanced stages of increasing power generation to 2,052 megawatts by 2030, a significant leap from the 150 megawatts produced in 1986. Nankabirwa added that her ministry is exploring additional power sources, including geothermal and nuclear energy.

Key projects contributing to this expansion include:

• 6.5 megawatts from Nyanga (Zombo District)

• The 840-megawatt Agago Power Plant

• The 183-megawatt Isimba Hydroelectric Power Station

• The 400-megawatt Hiba Power Plant (Northern Uganda)

Reduction in Power Tariffs and Rural Electrification

The ministry also reported a reduction in power tariffs due to diversified energy sources. Additionally, to boost rural electrification, the Misizi Substation has been completed, which will supply power to the Kalangala Islands.

Vandalism and Power Losses

In a related development, the ministry reported increased losses due to vandalism. Yesterday, 17 suspects were paraded in Nakawa Court in connection with these incidents.

Bussi, Wakiso District – Residents of Zzinga Island, located in Bussi Sub-County, Wakiso District, have raised serious concerns over the lack of adequate police presence and transport, as well as the absence of female officers to handle cases involving women.

Kasese, Uganda – The Banyabindi people, one of Uganda's smallest ethnic groups, have entered their second month of peaceful protests outside the Kasese RDC's office, maintaining an unwavering vigil for their constitutional right to land.  

Climate change experts in Africa warn of disproportionate health impacts on the continent due to existing challenges like poverty, fragile health systems, and economic constraints, which climate change exacerbates through rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and ecological disruptions.