The Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals (UCEM) has repositioned itself as a national leader in clean energy advocacy aand sustainable mineral development a significant step in Uganda’s transition toward a greener, more inclusive energy future.
The announcement was made today during a launch event at the Kampala Serena Hotel, officiated by Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. The event brought together government officials, private sector leaders, development partners, and stakeholders from across the energy and minerals value chains.
In his remarks, Aggrey Ashaba, Chairman of UCEM’s Governing Council, emphasized the importance of aligning with both global climate trends and local development needs.
“UCEM is repositioning not as a marketing gesture or cosmetic change but as a bold, strategic shift toward purpose. From this day forward, the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals will lead as a champion of cleaner energy solutions and sustainable mineral development,” Ashaba stated.
This move comes at a time when global energy systems are experiencing rapid transformation. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable energy capacity surged by over 50% in 2023. Meanwhile, Uganda continues to grapple with challenges such as low rural electricity access currently under 20%, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the need to balance industrialization with environmental stewardship.
Ashaba further explained that cleaner energy advocacy involves more than promoting renewables.
“It means supporting better mining practices, embedding ESG standards into operations, and ensuring no one is left behind. Workers, communities, and youth must all benefit from this shift,” he said.
While officiating the launch, Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa praised UCEM for its proactive leadership in a vital sector of Uganda’s future.
“Uganda must prepare for a future where sustainability is not just an option, but a necessity. I commend UCEM for its commitment not only to investment and innovation but also to ensuring our energy and mineral wealth benefits our people and protects our environment. The government is dedicated to working with partners like UCEM to achieve Vision 2040 and our national energy goals,” said Nankabirwa.
UCEM’s repositioning aligns with national development frameworks, including Vision 2040, the National Energy Policy, and the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII). It also supports Uganda’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those focused on clean energy, economic growth, responsible consumption, and climate action.
The Chamber also announced a renewed commitment to inclusive collaboration, pledging to work closely with government bodies, private investors, civil society, local communities, and international partners to build capacity, share technology, and drive innovation.
“Let’s power Uganda not just with energy, but with cleaner, fairer, and more inclusive energy. Let’s position Uganda not only as a participant in the global energy transition, but as a continental leader,” Ashaba said.
