Firewood and charcoal (biomass energy resources) alone add up to over 90% of Uganda's energy production. As demand for this energy source escalates and natural resources dwindle, Uganda may soon have an energy crises. Furthermore, less than 5% of the population has access to electricity. Like other parts of the infrastructure, energy production also suffered during Amin's presidency. The Musevini government has begun to repair, expand, and update the existing energy infrastructure and also to construct new infrastructure, such as a new dam at Bujagali and an oil pipeline from the Kenya border to Kampala.

Petroleum

Uganda is wholly dependent on imported oil for all its energy requirements. There is an oil terminal at the terminus of the Kenya pipeline in Eldoret, but from there the oil must be transported by tanker into Uganda. There is a plan to extend the Mombasa-Eldoret pipeline to Kampala. This state of affairs has placed a heavy strain on Uganda's hard currency resources, accounting for over 11% of total imports, about $91 million [1]. However, recent geological surveys have revealed the possibility of petroleum reserves in the Rift Valley. A Belgian company, Petrofina, was investigating the possibility when they were forced to stop because of the political turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). [1]

Electricity

The hydroelectric power station at Owen Falls Dam produces over 900 million kilowatts per year. However, most rural areas and many urban areas are without electricity, and those that have electricity are plagued by the poor condition of the electric network, frequent stoppages, and maintenance problems. About 25% of the electricity produced is sold to Kenya. A new hydroelectric dam is being proposed at Bujagali. If it goes through, it will be the first power plant in Africa that is privately owned. [2]

Energy Balance, 1997

(m tons oil equivalent)

	Oil	Gas	Coal	Electricity	Other	Total
Primary Production	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.29	3.63	3.92
Imports	0.33	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.33
Exports	0.00	0.00	0.00	-0.06	0.00	-0.06
Primary Supply	0.33	0.00	0.00	0.23	3.63	4.19
Net Transformation	0.00	0.00	0.00	-0.18	0.00	-0.18
Final Consumption	0.33	0.00	0.00	0.05	3.63	4.01

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit. 1998-1999. Country Profile, Uganda. London: The Unit, p 24

1. The Economist Intelligence Unit. 1998-1999. Country Profile, Uganda. London: The Unit, pg. 24

2. The Economist Intelligence Unit. 1998-1999. Country Profile, Uganda. London: The Unit, pg. 24