Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga says government should lower electricity tariffs and improve access to affordable power before phasing out coal use, warning that high energy costs could hinder the transition.
Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo Nsubuga has urged government to reduce electricity tariffs before phasing out charcoal use, arguing that households, businesses and industries need affordable and reliable power to shift to cleaner energy alternatives.
Balimwezo said high electricity costs could undermine efforts to discourage the use of traditional fuels, particularly among consumers and businesses already struggling with energy expenses.
His remarks on Thursday highlight a challenge facing Uganda’s energy transition: promoting cleaner energy while ensuring that households and industries can afford the alternatives.
Reducing electricity tariffs, he argued, should be part of efforts to make cleaner energy more accessible before policies restricting coal use are implemented.
For businesses and industries, the cost and reliability of electricity influence production expenses and competitiveness. Households also need affordable alternatives if they are to reduce dependence on traditional fuels.
The government therefore faces the challenge of balancing environmental objectives with the need to support economic activity and protect consumers from high energy costs.
However, lowering tariffs would need to be accompanied by measures to maintain reliable electricity supply and expand access to cleaner energy sources.
Balimwezo’s proposal places affordability at the centre of the debate over phasing out coal, raising questions about how quickly Uganda can transition to cleaner energy without increasing the financial burden on consumers.