Uganda’s Museveni Says RE Top Priority in Meeting MDGs

Diversifying alternative sources of energy should be a top priority, according to the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) mandate and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

The millennium goals, which are scheduled to be achieved by 2015, include a decrease in poverty levels, acquiring universal primary education, promoting gender equality, and reducing child mortality. Africa consumes about 492 kw an hour per capita compared to the US which consumes 7,700 kw and the EU with over 3,000 kw an hour per capita.

Museveni said this was a very small amount and therefore called for the institution of renewable energy resources to ensure energy for economic development. He noted that an energy fund had been created to enable the country to enter into a public private partnership (PPP) to co-fund energy projects. This would be applicable to the Karuma power project and would help avoid delays.

“If we don’t develop electricity facilities, how shall we achieve the MDGs? Electricity together with transport will lower the cost of doing business and open investment opportunities,” Museveni said.