Uganda’s Clean Energy Revolution: Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa and Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson Champion Public–Private Partnerships for Africa’s Industrial Growth

Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Republic of Uganda
Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson CB CBE, Former NATO Deputy Commander & Commandant, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
📍 UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025 | 📅 12 September 2025 | The Royal Horseguards Hotel & One Whitehall Place, London

Strategic Overview

At the 15th UK–Africa Business, Trade & Investment Summit 2025, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, presented a bold and integrated vision for powering Uganda’s industrialisation and economic transformation through energy, oil, and minerals.

With 95% of Uganda’s electricity sourced from renewable energy, she noted that the country’s primary challenge is not generation but distribution — opening vast opportunities for private investment in last-mile power infrastructure, smart grids, and industrial connectivity.

“We don’t have money, but we have resources. We are already leading the clean energy transition.” — Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa

Hon. Nankabirwa emphasised that Uganda’s petroleum and mineral resources are not in conflict with its green ambitions. Instead, they serve as strategic levers to finance the renewable transition, support industrial growth, and enhance energy security.

Uganda’s energy mix remains among the cleanest globally, anchored by major hydroelectric projects such as Karuma (600 MW), Ayago (840 MW), Kiba (400 MW), and Oriang (392 MW), complemented by the upcoming 8,400 MW Buyende Nuclear Power Plant set for completion in 2031.

With industrial tariffs at just 5 US cents per kWh, Uganda now stands as one of Africa’s most competitive destinations for energy-intensive industries and sustainable manufacturing.

Energy, Oil & Mining Integration

Uganda’s development model integrates renewables, oil, and mining into a unified national strategy designed to accelerate industrialisation and regional competitiveness.

Key Sectors of Focus

• Oil and Gas: Production is projected at 270,000 barrels per day, with 60,000 barrels refined locally through the Hoima Refinery. Associated gas will power the EACOP pipeline and fertiliser production, linking energy and agriculture.
• EACOP and EKK Pipelines: The 1,443 km East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) to Tanga is 57% complete, alongside a refined-products corridor planned from Kenya to Rwanda.
• Mining: Under the Mining and Minerals Act (2022), Uganda mandates local value addition and technology transfer. The National Mining Company co-invests through Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSAs) to ensure equitable growth.

“From petroleum, we will get fertilisers. From fertilisers, we will get growth.” — Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa

Regional and Investment Context

Uganda currently chairs the Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) and already exports electricity to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, with South Sudan set to join soon.

Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson CB CBE commended Uganda’s leadership in regional integration, describing the country’s energy capacity as “a surplus awaiting distribution investment.”

“The most remarkable thing is not that Uganda has energy — it’s that it has more energy than it can distribute. If I had money to invest, Uganda would be first on my list.” — Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson

He praised Uganda’s stability, leadership, and policy consistency, noting that the country is strategically positioned to anchor Africa’s energy and mineral transformation through pragmatic partnerships and disciplined governance.

Policy, Leadership & Financing Priorities

Hon. Nankabirwa outlined Uganda’s key priorities for policy alignment and investment mobilisation across the energy and extractives sector:

• Liberalised Power Market – Encouraging Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private investment in transmission and distribution.
• Mineral Value Addition – Enforcing a “no raw exports” policy to ensure domestic beneficiation and industrial linkages.
• Oil Revenue Integration – Using petroleum earnings to finance renewable projects and fertiliser manufacturing.
• Smart Grids & Connectivity – Incentivising private sector participation in modernising power networks and improving access.
• ESG Reforms & Youth Skilling – Strengthening environmental, social, and governance frameworks while empowering youth with digital and energy skills.

“Uganda doesn’t lack resources — we lack financing. We welcome responsible partners from the UK, the diaspora, and global investors to move from potential to prosperity.” — Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa

Leadership Perspective: The 3Ds of Leadership

Drawing lessons from his distinguished military career, Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson shared his “3Ds of Leadership” as a framework for effective transformation:

• Direct: Define the vision and delegate with accountability.
• Deliver: Make courageous, timely decisions and inspire action.
• Develop: Build people, nurture trust, and lead with integrity.

“You have the power, the people, and the plans — but you need partnerships to complete the last mile. Go to Uganda. See it for yourself. The future is there — and it’s ready.” — Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson

Key Takeaway

Uganda offers a unique convergence of renewable energy capacity, oil and mineral wealth, and regional integration — forming the backbone of Africa’s green transformation.

With clear policies, strong leadership, and investment-ready projects, Uganda is poised to anchor Africa’s industrial and energy transition.

Investors are invited to participate in:

• Grid modernisation and smart infrastructure projects.
• Mineral processing and value-chain partnerships.
• Green industrialisation and ESG-driven ventures.

From potential to prosperity, Uganda stands ready to power Africa’s next phase of sustainable growth.

🎥 Watch the Highlights

Financing Africa’s Energy, Minerals & Green Transition — Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa & Lt. Gen. Peter Pearson
📺 https://www.youtube.com/@ukafricabusinesssummit/videos

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