Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has thrown his weight behind the Electricity Access Scale-up Project (EASP), a new government initiative aimed at connecting over 1.3 million rural households to the national power grid. Launched in Mitooma District, the project is poised to bring about significant transformation in rural communities by enhancing access to energy for households, businesses, and public institutions.
Tayebwa, who is also the area’s Member of Parliament, hailed the EASP as a pivotal endeavor with immense potential to uplift the lives of rural populations. He underscored its alignment with Uganda’s development goals, including Vision 2040, National Development Plans II and III, and Sustainable Development Goal 7, which targets universal energy access by 2030.
Co-funded by the World Bank with an investment of $638 million, the project encompasses both on-grid and off-grid connections to bolster energy access across the country. Tayebwa lauded the collaborative efforts between the World Bank, the Ugandan government, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable development.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, assured the public of the government’s dedication to achieving universal electricity access by 2030 through the EASP. She highlighted its inclusive nature, particularly benefiting female-headed households and aligning with national energy policies.
Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, outlined the project’s objectives, including extending electricity access to refugee host communities and promoting clean energy solutions.
Local Members of Parliament, including Juliet Agatha and Francis Mwijukye, expressed support for the project, citing its potential to drive economic growth and improve livelihoods in their respective constituencies.
The Electricity Access Scale-up Project, spanning five years, represents a significant stride towards realizing Uganda’s energy access goals. By providing electricity to millions of households, it is poised to catalyze socio-economic development, spur business growth, and create employment opportunities, ultimately contributing to the country’s overall progress
