Posted on January, 19 2016

The Report is the first of its kind from WWF in Sub-Saharan Africa and brings to light the prospect of a future powered by 100% renewable energy for a developing country.

Speaking at the launch, the Country Director, WWF Uganda Country Office, Mr. David Duli said the report comes at a time when issues of energy development and its impact on environment and relations to climate change are becoming even more important than ever. 
 
Using theoretical scenarios, the report illustrates the pathways that can lead to a 100% renewable energy future, in the areas of social, infrastructural and economic development, through the provision of modern energy services for urban and largely rural populations in the country.

Mr. Duli also highlighted the need for the report as a tool that will aid Uganda’s efforts to address energy poverty in the country by influencing policy and practice. Duli appealed for political support to promote scaling up renewable energy access in Uganda. 

“Over 90% of Uganda’s population still depends on firewood and charcoal to meet their cooking energy needs, while access to modern energy services such as the grid electricity is also very low, compared to say the rest of Africa and the global average,” Mr. Duli said.

The findings of the Energy Report for Uganda will offer Ugandan decision-makers strategic information and data that they will use to grow beyond the regular state of affairs in what the report calls “business as usual”.
“The need for energy is growing globally and developing nations like Uganda are no different if not more in need of modern energy for livelihoods, industries and overall advancement,” Mr. Duli said.

The report analyzes two scenarios; one where Uganda continues along the current trends of energy consumption, and the renewable energy future scenario where there is deliberate effort to attain solutions to the ever growing biomass dependence crisis and its climate change and socio-economic consequences for the country.

The report is a graphic demonstration of the possibility of managing resources for the betterment of the country, and much more than just a passive remark on renewable energy. While officiating at the launch, Commissioner James Banaabe, from Uganda’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development said the government is going to study the report and utilize useful information and apply appropriately.