The Legal Framework for the Transition to Clean Energy in Uganda’s Energy Sector

Abstract

The energy sector is one of the key sectors that impact the economic development of a nation. Overtime, there have been international efforts for the transition to clean energy resources as a way of mitigating and adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. These efforts have seen the coming into force of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Convention. These international instruments which have been widely ratified set the pace for different countries to introduces policies and laws that advocate for clean energy through the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Consequently, Uganda has developed policies and enacted laws including the Energy Policy, the Renewable Energy Policy, the National Oil and Gas Policy, and the National Climate Change Policy, the National Environment Act and the National Climate Change Act. These laws and policies are, among other things, aimed at propelling the country in its bid to meet its commitments in the clean energy revolution. However, Uganda being a hydrocarbon rich country, it faces a dilemma in transitioning to a low carbon economy. This research analyses the laws and policies of Uganda and argues that while the country has domesticated the UNFCCC, the Protocol, and the Agreement, most of the policies pasted by the Cabinet of Uganda in respect of clean energy have for many years remained without legislation. The research recommends for legislations arising from the policies, with lessons picked from different countries which have already legislated upon these issues.