The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is spearheading a $638 million initiative to achieve universal electricity access in Uganda by 2027.
The Electricity Access Scale-up Project, known as EASP, is funded by the World Bank and aims to provide more than 1 million free connections for households, businesses and public institutions. The project, which rolled out in early 2024, is a central pillar of the Energy Policy and Transition Plan and the Fourth National Development Plan.
While Uganda’s electricity access has grown to 60 percent over the past decade, a significant gap remains between urban and rural areas. Only 19 percent of rural households are connected to the grid, compared to 71 percent in urban centers.
By June 2025, Uganda is expected to have an installed generation capacity of 2,098 megawatts. However, peak demand currently sits at approximately 800 megawatts. Ministry officials say the EASP will help bridge this gap by unlocking an additional 500 megawatts of demand, ensuring the country’s energy surplus contributes to revenue and economic growth rather than remaining underutilized.
Energy officials noted that electricity is a critical enabler of industrialization, private-sector growth and inclusive wealth generation. The EASP focuses on expanding last-mile connections and increasing the productive use of power to support these national priorities.
Early beneficiaries of the project in Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja reported immediate improvements in their quality of life. In Wakiso District, residents who previously relied on expensive, unstable shared connections or candles have moved to independent meters.
Florence Namaganda, a resident of Masajja Division, said her family received a free connection in July. She noted that the move has lowered costs and allowed her siblings to study at night.
Business owners have also seen a shift. Shopkeeper Ivan Turyatemba in Busabala-Masajja reported his monthly power expenses dropped from 40,000 shillings to 15,000 shillings after receiving his own meter.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development continues to oversee the rollout, which began in April 2024. The project remains on track to meet its 2027 targets for universal access.
