The Government of Uganda has issued a Gazetted Policy Direction authorising the development of a 100 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic plant integrated with 250 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage in Kapeeka Sub-County, Nakaseke District. The project will be developed by Energy America, with its East Africa subsidiary EA Astrovolt acting as the lead developer and execution partner.

The directive, issued under Section 16 of the Electricity Act (Cap. 157), signals the start of Phase I of Uganda’s plan to deploy 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar and battery capacity nationwide. It supports Vision 2040 and the National Energy Policy 2023, which aim for universal access to affordable and reliable electricity.

The project will supply electricity to the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), following tariff approval from the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA).

Minister of Energy and Mineral Development Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu said: “This Policy Direction represents a bold step toward realising our Vision 2040 and achieving the goals of the National Energy Policy 2023. By partnering with Energy America and EA Astrovolt, Uganda will harness world-class clean energy technology, foster local employment and skills development, and accelerate our transition to a modern and resilient electricity system. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring this project benefits the people of Uganda and serves as a foundation for the nation’s clean energy future.”

EA Astrovolt, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will oversee project execution, regulatory compliance, and community engagement. The EPC contract has been awarded to Ganymede Utilities, while Centauri will supply advanced solar technology components.

Financing will be provided through a debt package backed by the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), marking a significant U.S.-supported investment in Uganda’s clean energy sector.