Uganda's Electricity Demand Rises 21% Amid Hydropower Challenges
Uganda's electricity demand surged by 21% in 2025, driven by increasing domestic consumption and exports. Key hydropower plants faced operational challenges, particularly due to waterweed invasions affecting supply reliability.
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In 2025, Uganda's maximum domestic electricity demand reached 1,166.18 MW, a 19.86% increase from 2024. The country's gross domestic energy generation rose to 7,827.5 GWh, marking a 19.09% year-over-year growth driven by economic activity and exports.
Hydropower plants supplied 72.73% of total energy output, with significant contributions from the Kiira-Nalubaale Complex, Bujagali, Isimba, and Karuma dams. The Bujagali plant performed consistently, providing 1,636.93 GWh.
However, waterweed challenges led to load shedding and operational inefficiencies across several plants, particularly affecting Karuma. The Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd reported increased exports to neighboring countries, attributed to completed transmission lines, despite ongoing operational challenges.
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