Solar power plants in Uganda
A growing grid, high tariffs for industry and a state distributor since 2025: strong potential for captive solar and solar parks under ERA licences.
Market overview
Uganda's generation is dominated by hydropower on the Nile, and the country currently has surplus capacity at peak times. The challenges lie elsewhere: a distribution grid that is being modernised, high losses, outages, and tariffs for industrial customers that make self-generation attractive. Since April 2025 the state-owned UEDCL has run the distribution network after the Umeme concession ended.
Solar complements hydro well: it produces most in the dry season, when reservoir levels are low. Grid-connected solar parks such as Soroti and Kabulasoke have shown that the framework works.
- Regulator
- ERA (Electricity Regulatory Authority)
- Grid operators
- UETCL (transmission and single buyer), UEDCL (distribution since April 2025, previously Umeme)
- Installed capacity
- About 2,050 MW in total, mostly hydro; peak demand around 1,200 MW
- Irradiation
- About 1,800 to 2,100 kWh/m² per year, very even over the year
- Legal basis
- Electricity Act (Cap. 157), ERA licensing regulations
Market situation
- Captive solar for factories, agro-processing, hospitals and hotels, often paired with batteries
- Solar parks of 10 to 20 MW connected to the 33 kV network under PPAs with UETCL
- Large off-grid demand: only part of the population has grid access, especially in rural areas
- Transition period after the Umeme-to-UEDCL handover; approvals should be planned with extra time
Permits and grid connection
- Systems up to 0.5 MW: registration with ERA, no licence
- Above 0.5 MW: ERA generation licence; sale to the grid via PPA with UETCL
- Grid connection and no-objection from the distribution licensee UEDCL
- Environmental and social impact assessment (NEMA) for larger projects
What we build here
- Captive rooftop and ground-mounted plants with hybrid controls for industry
- Grid-connected solar parks in the 5 to 20 MW range
- Off-grid systems for farms, schools, health centres and lodges
Frequently asked questions
Does Uganda need more solar when it has surplus hydro?
Yes. Demand grows by double-digit percentages per year, hydro output drops in dry seasons, and industrial customers need reliable, affordable power at their site. Captive solar also relieves the distribution grid.
Which licence does a solar plant need in Uganda?
Up to 0.5 MW a registration with ERA is sufficient. Above that an ERA generation licence is required. We prepare the technical part of the application and coordinate with UEDCL and UETCL.
What changed with the end of the Umeme concession?
Since 1 April 2025 the state-owned UEDCL operates the distribution grid. Technical requirements are unchanged, but contacts and procedures are new, so we plan approvals with additional time.
Regulatory details change. Figures and rules on this page reflect our research as of October 2026 and are verified for every project.
Other markets
Planning a project in Uganda?
Send us the location, the area and the planned capacity. We reply with a first assessment.