energy 10 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kenya Seeks Increased Ugandan Power Imports by 2027
Kenya is looking to import an additional 300 MW of electricity from Uganda by 2027, according to Uganda's Energy Minister, Ruth Nankabirwa. This move underscores Uganda's growing role in regional power trade amidst its own demand growth. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kenya-targets-more-ugandan-electricity-in-2027-5454454
Kenya has signaled its intent to significantly increase electricity imports from Uganda, aiming for at least 300 MW by 2027. This follows a current export figure of approximately 269.7 MW to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ms. Ruth Nankabirwa, revealed this plan during a meeting for the feasibility study of the proposed 400 MW KIBA hydropower project. She emphasized that these developments highlight Uganda’s need to ensure not only domestic energy security but also its strategic position in regional power markets.
While Uganda’s installed generation capacity is around 2,098 MW, its dependable firm capacity is estimated at about 1,550 MW. This is against a peak system demand of approximately 1,337.15 MW recorded in February 2026. With domestic and system demand growing at over 19% annually, the supply-demand balance is projected to tighten.
To address this, the Ugandan government has prioritized hydropower projects like Kiba under its National Development Plan IV. Feasibility studies and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments are being fast-tracked for projects including Kiba, Oriang, and Ayago.
“The study must, therefore, be practical, bankable, technically-robust and responsive to the national urgency for additional firm generation capacity,” stated Ms. Nankabirwa. A multi-sectoral Project Technical Committee has been formed to oversee the development of these crucial projects.
Ms. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, noted that the target generation capacity could potentially increase, citing the Karuma project’s output doubling after underground construction. She stressed the importance of rigorous assessment of geological, hydrological, and environmental factors, alongside power evacuation planning.
An Iranian and Italian joint venture, led by Aban Pazhou and Ab-Niru Consulting Engineers, is conducting the feasibility study and ESIA for the Kiba project.