The government has introduced the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill, 2024, aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices and addressing the growing challenges of energy inefficiency and environmental degradation.
The Bill, presented to Parliament by the State Minister for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Opolot, on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, seeks to regulate energy consumption across the country, curb waste, and promote cleaner cooking technologies.
Currently, Uganda lacks regulations governing the manufacture, distribution, and use of clean cooking technologies, which the Bill aims to rectify.
Traditional cooking methods, reliant on inefficient fuels like wood and charcoal, contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, deforestation, and escalating energy costs. These factors have adverse effects on both health and the environment.
The Bill proposes a shift toward improved cooking solutions, including biogas systems, electric cookers, and efficient stoves. To facilitate this transition, it suggests offering financial incentives, subsidies, and awareness campaigns to make clean energy options more affordable, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
According to the Bill, a national cooking strategy will be developed to define specific objectives and targets for the widespread adoption of clean cooking technologies. The goal is to reduce indoor air pollution, improve public health outcomes, and minimize environmental impacts.
Beyond the cooking sector, the Bill extends to Uganda’s transport and building industries, seeking to regulate energy efficiency within these sectors. The proposed law includes provisions to develop fuel economy standards and vehicular emission regulations to encourage the use of energy-efficient vehicles. It also calls for the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the country, with local governments and road authorities being tasked to create this infrastructure.
To ensure compliance, the Bill introduces penalties for the sale of non-compliant appliances, failure to conduct energy audits, and obstruction of inspectors. The Minister for Energy will have the authority to designate energy consumers, set energy efficiency measures, and enforce minimum energy performance standards for households, industries, and transport sectors.
If passed, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill will provide a much-needed regulatory framework to enhance the adoption of clean energy technologies and promote broader energy conservation measures across
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