Uganda covers 94 % of its energy needs by burning bio mass (wood, charcoal) and 5 % by imported petrochemical products such as oil and gasoline. Just one percent of its needs comes as electrical power from the only Ugandan power station in Jinja, where the River Nile springs from Lake Victoria.

The result of this imbalance is continuous deforestation, a burgeoning current account deficit and an ongoing shortage in power supply. Large sections of the country do not have access to electricity, and even where they do, there are power cuts on a regular bases.

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In a separate project, experts from GTZ advise the Ugandan Government on how to improve the supply of energy in terms of both quality and quantity. The central focus of this project is to increase energy use efficiency. Techniques were developed for the efficient production of higher quality charcoal. As well, kitchen tools such as pots and stoves were developed, which need considerably less energy due to improved insulation techniques.

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Another approach has been in the opening up of additional, renewable energy sources. During the last years, one of the most sophisticated hydroelectric power plants in the world was built near the old 'Owen Falls Dam Power Station'. The ‘Owen Falls Extension’ is now ready to produce electricity. In addition to this, steps are being taken to further decentralize Uganda's energy production, with solar energy systems growing in significance.

(Click on the pictures to enlarge)

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