Dr. Patricia Kevin Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communications and Public Relations at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), stressed the media's essential function in making government policies and updates on the energy sector accessible to the public.
Uganda's ambition for universal energy access is increasingly focusing on the vital role of the media in disseminating information about energy initiatives. This was emphasized during a panel discussion at the Renewable Energy Conference (REC), held on Saturday at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala, where government representatives urged media outlets to take a proactive and balanced approach in their reporting.
Dr. Patricia Kevin Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communications and Public Relations at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), stressed the media's essential function in making government policies and updates on the energy sector accessible to the public. “Beyond acting as a watchdog, the media helps shape societal agendas, influences political debate, and has the strategic potential to drive universal energy access,” she stated.
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Jonan Kiiza, spokesperson for Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), urged journalists to enhance their expertise in the energy sector to produce informative and engaging content. He highlighted the transition from traditional to digital media and the crucial role reliable energy plays in journalism, advocating for increased media advocacy for universal energy access.
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Gloria Sebikari, Corporate Affairs Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), called on the media to focus on Uganda’s infrastructure needs, energy diversification, and the national energy transition plan.
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The panelists underscored the media’s power to set the public agenda, as journalists' choices in coverage can influence national discussions. By simplifying complex policies and technical details, the media can empower citizens to engage with energy initiatives that affect their lives.
Themed “Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth,” the conference concluded the Energy and Minerals Week 2024, organized by the MEMD. It served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions related to energy generation, transmission, distribution, and regulation.
Eng. Irene Bateebe, Permanent Secretary at MEMD, reiterated the government’s commitment to the Electricity Connections Policy (ECP), which aims to connect 300,000 households to the national grid annually through 2027. “Our electrification rate has increased from 5% in 2001 to 60% today, with 22% of connections on-grid and 38% off-grid. To achieve universal access by 2030, approximately 10 million new connections are needed,” Eng. Bateebe stated.
She also emphasized the need for renewable energy technologies, highlighting Uganda’s potential in solar, geothermal, and wind energy to diversify the national energy mix and reduce carbon emissions. Currently, electricity access in Uganda stands at 47.1%, with urban areas at 57.2% connected, compared to only 10% in rural areas.
A recent report from multiple international agencies, published on June 12, revealed that the world is off track to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, which advocates for universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
The report highlighted that the number of people without electricity rose for the first time in over a decade, with population growth outpacing new electricity connections, leaving 685 million people globally without electricity in 2022—an increase of 10 million from 2021.
Ochola's journalism career begun from Radio King 90.2 FM in Gulu around 2009, and Radio Rupiny 95.7 Fm under Vision Group in 2012. He also reported for Mighty Fire 91.5 Fm, Kitgum in 2015 before joining Wizarts Foundation in 2017.
He has been reporting for Uganda Radio Network (URN) since 2017 before being posted as Bureau Chief Kitgum, and later Gulu between 2018 - 2021. Currently, he reports from Parliament.
