Energy resources in Uganda Notes
Energy resources are resources which can be used to provide heat, light and motion power. Uganda has got a variety of energy resources and these include;
- Electricity (HEP) from Owen falls dam in Jinja, Bujagali, Mubuku, etc.
- Petroleum products i.e. petrol, kerosene and oil, imported and at Albertan graben
- Solar mostly used in rural areas of Lyantonde, Mpigi, etc.
- Thermal power at Lugogo
- Biomass or wood fuel i.e. firewood and charcoal
- Biogas
It should be noted that according to 2004 population and housing, estimates 88% where using biomass, 1% electricity, 11% others as energy
Location of energy resources in Uganda
Status of energy sector
- Biomass widely used i.e. 39% followed by 5% petroleum and 5% of HEP.
- Solar and biomass widely promoted to save forests.
- Frequent load shedding of HEP
- Petroleum is imported and expensive however oil mining in Albertine graben is to commence soon.
- New HEP plants have been constructed like Bujagali, Nyagak to increase power.
- Plans are under way to produce geo-thermal energy in the western rift valley region.
- Thermal energy at Lugogo.
It should be noted that power generated at Owen falls dam in Jinja is transmitted using power lines to different areas in Uganda i.e. To Kasese-Fort portal, Bushenyi-Rukungiri-Kabale, Mbarara-Masaka-Mpigi and Kampala. Also Luwero-Hoima-Masindi-Apac-Gulu, Lira-Soroti-MbaleTororo-Iganga and Kamuli and other parts of thse country.
Factors that have favoured the development of the energy sector in Uganda
Problems facing the energy sector in Uganda
- Limited skilled llabour to tap the existing power and energy potential.
- Limited research in the energy sector
- Competition from other land use for labour, capital, etc.
- Depletion of forest resources like Namanve forest.
- Limited capital to purchase machines.
- Poorly developed transport network.
- Corruption and embezzlement of funds meant for the development of power and energy sector
- Scattered settlement pattern affected distribution of power
- High level bureaucracy in the development of power projects
- Fluctuations in power supply due too natural disasitors like cloudy skies in case of solar power
- Physical barriers like steep slopes in mountainous areas which limit transmission of HEP
- Profit repartriation
- High wastage and loss of power caused by illegal connections
- Less demand for energy and power due to poverty
- Remoteness of some areas with power potential
- Political instability
- High rates/cost of HEP discouraging consumers
- Decreasing levels of water in L. Victoria and rivers.
Benefits of the energy sector
Nb. Make research on the above
Measures to the above problems
- The government of Uganda is aiming at improving the quality and quantity of energy supplies at least cost to the national economy. It has set up a hydro-power development master plan (HDMP) to achieve its aim.
- There is rehabilitation and development of mini power stations such as Bujagali on R. Nile, Maziba on R. Maziba in Kabale, Mubuku on R.Mubuku, etc.
- Today there is rural electrification program which has helped several rural areas to posses electricity like in Kabatema-Nsika in Lyanntonde.
