news 5 November 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Unpacking Uganda's Power Paradox: Generation Capacity Versus Frequent Outages
Despite boasting surplus electricity generation capacity, Uganda continues to experience frequent power outages, prompting questions about the country's energy infrastructure. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/why-does-the-power-keep-going-off-when-uganda-has-enough-generation-capacity--5660310
Many Ugandans often wonder why blackouts persist even though the nation officially generates more electricity than it consumes. The core of this energy paradox lies in the distinction between power generation, transmission, and distribution.
While dams produce ample electricity, getting that power from the generation sites to homes and businesses requires a robust grid. Bottlenecks in transmission lines and aging distribution networks frequently lead to localized failures and load shedding.
Furthermore, technical losses and infrastructural capacity limits prevent the surplus power from reaching end-users efficiently. Addressing these persistent outages demands continued investment beyond generation plants, focusing heavily on upgrading the national grid architecture.
For a detailed analysis on why power interruptions continue despite surplus capacity, read the original report on Daily Monitor.