The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda is making strides toward enforcing energy efficiency standards with a revised Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill. Initially drafted in 2014, the bill is now set to be presented in Parliament after undergoing essential adjustments. This legislation focuses on regulating the responsible and efficient use of energy, incorporating energy-efficiency standards and equipment labeling within the country.
Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, revealed that this proposed law would empower the Ministry and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) to establish minimum energy performance standards tailored to specific products in various sectors of the economy. This approach aligns with the global practice and will enable the Ministry and UNBS to define technical standards for energy-efficient appliances, ensuring their availability in the market, and safeguarding consumers’ interests.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre ahead of the 18th Annual Energy and Minerals Week, scheduled from 13th to 18th October 2023 in Kampala, Minister Nankabirwa emphasized that this bill aims to generate awareness about energy-efficient, cost-friendly appliances. The Energy and Minerals Week will serve as a platform for the business community to showcase innovative technologies, products, and services in the energy, mineral, and petroleum sectors. The event’s theme, “Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth,” underscores the importance of these sectors in Uganda’s development.
While the Uganda National Bureau of Standards issued five product-specific minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for lighting, refrigerators, freezers, motors, and air conditioners in 2012, the lack of regulations to enforce and implement them has been a significant obstacle. The proposed bill seeks to address this issue by providing the legal framework necessary for compliance.
This initiative will encourage constructive dialogue between various stakeholders and government officials in the energy and minerals sector. Key discussion points include policy improvement, market development strategies, renewable energy, clean cooking technologies, and electric mobility.
These discussions aim to promote industrialization, job creation, and shared prosperity, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 7, which advocates for universal access to clean and affordable energy by 2030. Such access is essential for the growth of agriculture, business, communications, education, healthcare, and transportation. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill represents a significant step toward achieving these goals in Uganda.
