KAMPALA, UGANDA — Budadiri County East Member of Parliament Julius Muntu Nakiyi has called for the introduction of an Energy Efficiency Bill to improve electricity utilisation and increase Uganda’s power supply without necessarily constructing additional dams.
Nakiyi made the proposal while contributing to a parliamentary discussion on power generation and distribution management, arguing that Uganda needed to address inefficiencies in the electricity system rather than concentrate only on expanding generation infrastructure.
He explained that Uganda’s peak electricity demand stood at approximately 1,000 megawatts, while electricity exports accounted for about 450 megawatts, bringing total demand to approximately 1,450 megawatts against production of about 1,500 megawatts.
According to Nakiyi, this left the country with a surplus of approximately 50 megawatts, demonstrating the need to improve how electricity is generated, distributed and utilised.
He further noted that Uganda had an installed electricity generation capacity of 2,100 megawatts but was producing approximately 1,500 megawatts, which he described as an efficiency level of about 70 per cent.
The legislator argued that improving operational efficiency could increase electricity output without requiring the construction of new dams, although he emphasised the need for better management of existing resources.
Nakiyi identified environmental conservation as one of the measures necessary to strengthen electricity generation, explaining that Uganda’s reliance on hydropower made water conservation particularly important.
He observed that protecting water catchment areas and maintaining water levels were essential for sustaining hydropower generation, since electricity production depended on water driving turbines.
The MP also proposed the enactment of an Energy Efficiency Bill through a Private Member’s Bill, which he said would regulate electricity consumption, particularly among large power consumers.
Citing research involving major electricity consumers, including Uganda Cranes, Nakiyi explained how installing capacitors could improve power-factor correction and reduce inefficiencies in electrical installations.
He urged Parliament to consider legislation requiring major electricity consumers to install capacitors at their premises to improve power-factor management and make better use of available electricity infrastructure.
Nakiyi maintained that environmental protection, improved energy management and appropriate legislation would help Uganda maximise its existing electricity resources and improve access to reliable power.
