An Analysis of Energy Poverty In Regard To The Social And Economic Rights Of The Ugandan Population

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analyze energy poverty factors such as inadequate energy supply, excess and short capacity, energy inaccessibility, affordability and low revenue accrues in regard to the social, and economic rights of the Ugandan population. The United Nations under the Sustainable Energy for All and the associated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 commits all countries to enhance energy access for the over 1 billion people who do not have access to reliable energy, by the year 2030. The aim of this gender is to ensure access to affordable and reliable and sustainable and modern energy for all hence addressing energy poverty. The study objectives involved identifying the causes of energy poverty in Uganda, identifying the implementation limitations facing the Uganda’s energy sector in reducing energy poverty in Uganda and suggesting recommendations to increase on energy capacity and access in Uganda. The research was done by employing qualitative, descriptive, and phenomenological research designs on a survey population that generally included community leaders, local residents, officers of UMEME and Electricity Regulatory Authority in Uganda. In conclusion, the study notes that electricity is very important for Uganda for the growth and development of the state and economic transformation of the annual increasing population. It is also to note that electricity accessibility, affordability, and connectivity remain a challenge for Uganda. In recommendation, the study suggest that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) which has the mandate to develop a coordinated master plan for generation and transmission, expand the grid systems should be responsible to plan for the electricity sector. More to that, the Electricity Regulatory Authority should prevail upon the distribution, and supply of electricity, implore available technologies to curb losses and reduce unbilled energy. More still, the Electricity regulatory authority should strictly adhere to the standards and qualifications that a licensee should pose during the performance of the contract. Further, the government should encourage industrialization through extending tax incentives such as tax holidays and grants in order to increase the market for the unutilized electricity.