Uganda's Youth Take the Lead in Shaping the Country's Energy Future

Kampala, Uganda - In a country where over 75% of the population is under 30, Uganda's youth are stepping into the spotlight to shape the nation's energy future. At the second Youth in Energy Conference held last month, more than 300 young Ugandans gathered in Kampala, alongside hundreds more online, to confront one of the country's most pressing challenges: expanding energy access while protecting the environment. 

The event, hosted by TotalEnergies EP Uganda and the Society of Petroleum Engineers Uganda Chapter, marked a turning point in youth engagement on energy policy. With direct participation from government officials, industry leaders, and innovators, the conference highlighted the role of young people not only as future stakeholders but also as current drivers of change.

As the country navigates its energy future, this generation is stepping forward, not just as participants but as leaders.

Engaging with Decision-Makers

Youth delegates at the conference interacted directly with representatives from the Uganda National Oil Company, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, and Makerere Innovation Hub. Discussions focused on how education, entrepreneurship, and innovation can drive a locally grounded and inclusive energy transition.

Access and Sustainability

Uganda faces a complex energy challenge: expanding access while minimising environmental impact. Millions of Ugandans still lack reliable electricity. At the same time, the country is developing its oil and gas resources with a focus on low emissions. Uganda's carbon intensity ranks among the lowest worldwide.

Government and private sector leaders stress that a just energy transition must reflect Uganda's unique context.

Investment in Infrastructure and People

TotalEnergies EP Uganda is actively contributing to Uganda's energy development through a range of initiatives. The company is building two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 40 megawatts, helping to expand access to clean electricity. It also holds a 28% stake in the Bujagali Hydropower Plant, which currently supplies about a quarter of the country's electricity.

To reduce reliance on biomass and improve air quality, TotalEnergies is developing a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) facility in the Tilenga Upstream area. Across its operations, the company is implementing carbon-reduction measures in line with its global net-zero roadmap. Additionally, it is supporting the growth of electric mobility in Uganda by investing in EV charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure.

Beyond infrastructure, the company is significantly investing in talent. Nearly 3,000 young Ugandans have benefited from education and empowerment programmes. Through the Tilenga Academy Training Programme, 200 trainees have received advanced instruction in production operations, both locally and abroad. The first cohort returned earlier this year, and the second is currently undergoing international training.

Marieme-Sav Sow

Marieme-Sav Sow, Vice President of Engagement & Advocacy at TotalEnergies, said, “Across Africa, the momentum towards a just energy transition is building, securing Africa's right to develop using all of its resources responsibly. Resource-rich nations like Uganda, powered by a youthful and innovative population, are uniquely positioned to lead Africa’s energy transition.

“With over 75% of Ugandans under 30, the youth are not just stakeholders but the chief architects of the future. Their ideas, leadership, and enterprise in clean energy innovation, policy advocacy, and entrepreneurship are essential to achieving universal energy access, climate resilience, and long-term competitiveness.”

A highlight at the conference was a panel featuring young women entering the energy sector. Their voices underscored the importance of gender inclusion in shaping Uganda's energy future. "We need more women in leadership roles," said one panellist. "Our perspectives matter, and our skills are needed."

A Call to Action

With 600 million people across Africa still lacking electricity, the urgency is apparent. Speakers at the conference called for coordinated efforts to unlock youth-led solutions.

Recommendations included:

• Innovation: Develop technologies tailored to Uganda's needs, such as solar-powered agro-processing and clean cooking solutions

• Collaboration: Build partnerships across universities, startups, and industry

• Advocacy: Support policies that expand access and reward low-emission solutions

• Leadership: Encourage youth to take on apprenticeships, internships, and research roles

TotalEnergies has invested over USD 700 million in Uganda, creating more than 10,000 jobs, over a third of which are from host communities. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda's development and energy transition.

As one young delegate put it, "We're not just the future - we're the present. And we're preparing to lead."