Business
Electricity exports earn Uganda sh111.7b in first five months of 2026
The improved performance comes as Uganda continues to expand cross-border electricity trade with neighbouring countries through regional power interconnection projects.
Uganda’s electricity export earnings rise by 51% to $30.09m between January and May 2026, Bank of Uganda data shows. (File photo)
By: Sarah Nabakooza, Journalist @New Vision
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Uganda's electricity exports generated $30.09m (sh111.67b) during the first five months of 2026, reflecting growing regional demand for the country's power and reinforcing electricity's contribution to Uganda's export earnings.
Figures from the Bank of Uganda's export database show that electricity export earnings increased from $19.93m (sh73.95b) recorded during the same period in 2025 to $30.09m (sh111.67b) between January and May 2026, representing a 51% increase.
The strongest monthly performance was recorded in January 2026, when electricity exports earned $7.23m (sh26.84b). Earnings then stood at $5.41m (sh20.07b) in February, $5.87m (sh21.79b) in March, $5.79m (sh21.49b) in April and $5.79m (sh21.49b) in May.
The improved performance comes as Uganda continues to expand cross-border electricity trade with neighbouring countries through regional power interconnection projects.
The improved performance comes as Uganda continues to expand cross-border electricity trade with neighbouring countries through regional power interconnection projects.
The Ministry of Finance says electricity was among the commodities that recorded higher export earnings in May 2026, alongside gold, tobacco and oil re-exports, helping lift Uganda's merchandise exports despite weaker receipts from coffee.
Total merchandise exports increased by 12.8% to $1.35b (sh4.99 trillion) in May 2026 from $1.19b (sh4.42 trillion) a year earlier.
Although Uganda's overall merchandise exports declined by 4.2% between April and May 2026 due mainly to lower earnings from coffee and gold, electricity remained among the commodities supporting export growth during the year.
The improved performance underscores electricity's growing contribution to Uganda's merchandise exports, complementing traditional export commodities such as gold, coffee and tobacco.
Total merchandise exports increased by 12.8% to $1.35b (sh4.99 trillion) in May 2026 from $1.19b (sh4.42 trillion) a year earlier.
Although Uganda's overall merchandise exports declined by 4.2% between April and May 2026 due mainly to lower earnings from coffee and gold, electricity remained among the commodities supporting export growth during the year.
The improved performance underscores electricity's growing contribution to Uganda's merchandise exports, complementing traditional export commodities such as gold, coffee and tobacco.