The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has raised concerns over Uganda's power export strategies, citing data that shows the country exported electricity worth USD 60.47 million in 2025, while only 11.4 per cent of rural households had access to grid electricity for lighting. According to the FDC, this has reignited the debate over whether Uganda should prioritise electricity exports to neighbouring countries while millions of its citizens remain without reliable and affordable power.
The FDC cited World Bank trade data and Uganda Bureau of Statistics statistics, which show that Uganda exported 618.3 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in 2025. Kenya accounted for exports worth USD 25.10 million, followed by Rwanda at USD 17.82 million and Tanzania at USD 17.21 million. Exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo were valued at USD 342,680. The party acknowledges the importance of regional electricity trade but questions why communities in Uganda continue to lack electricity connections.
FDC Vice Chairperson Centenary Robert Franco questioned the government's emphasis on regional electricity trade, arguing that domestic consumers should benefit before the country celebrates supplying power to its neighbours. The party also cited West Nile as an example, arguing that many households in the region remain without electricity despite its proximity to South Sudan, with which Uganda signed a power sales agreement in June 2023.
The agreement prioritised a 308-kilometre, 400-kilovolt transmission line between Olwiyo in Uganda and Juba in South Sudan. Of the planned line, 138 kilometres were to be on the Ugandan side and 170 kilometres in South Sudan. The FDC also questioned the implementation of electricity access commitments contained in the National Resistance Movement's 2016–2021 and 2021–2026 manifestos.
Among the promises cited by the FDC were the construction of thousands of kilometres of electricity distribution networks, the connection of previously unserved sub-county headquarters and the expansion of household connections. The party also wants the government to account for progress on a commitment to mobilise approximately Shs 45 billion to extend electricity to Buvuma and Sigulu islands.
The FDC argues that the government should publish details of the public funds spent on electricity infrastructure and explain why communities promised connections continue to wait. The party emphasises that electricity is not a luxury, but an essential service that directly affects people's ability to earn a living, access healthcare, educate their children and operate businesses.
The FDC is demanding a nationwide electricity connection programme targeting underserved villages, parishes, sub-counties and trading centres, as well as an accelerated electrification programme for West Nile, Buvuma, Obongi, Karamoja and other underserved areas. The party is also calling for affordable connections to enable households and businesses to access electricity.
Key points
- The FDC questions Uganda's priorities in the energy sector, given that only 11.4 per cent of rural households have access to grid electricity.
- Uganda exported electricity worth USD 60.47 million in 2025, despite many of its citizens lacking reliable and affordable power.
- The FDC demands a nationwide electricity connection programme and accelerated electrification for underserved areas.
