Examining the Legal, Economic and Technological Barriers to Uganda's Energy Transition:

Abstract

Whereas the energy transition has gained global traction, least developed countries such as Uganda are faced with peculiar challenges in getting on board the energy transition train. This research examines the legal, economic, and technological barriers to Uganda's energy transition, with particular specific focus on insights drawn from Uganda’s oil and gas industry. Uganda is in a unique position with the discovery of commercial quantities of oil depicting an opportunity to spur economic development, while at the same time, the same discovery presents a precarious situation for the energy transition. The research examines how insufficient legislative frameworks, economic constraints and technological barriers hinder Uganda’s energy transition progress. Through use of data from policy makers, industry experts, civil society, local communities and the academia, this research puts into focus Uganda’s energy landscape. The findings from the research emphasize the urgent need for legal reforms, focused investment in green technologies to propel Uganda to a sustainable energy transition. Perspectives from the Uganda’s oil and gas industry provide a worthy platform for examining its implication on Uganda’s energy transition journey.