Dear reader,
Welcome to this special June 2026 edition of the MEMD Update.
This month marks an important transition at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development as we bid farewell to Hon. Canon Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, whose stewardship has overseen significant milestones in Uganda’s energy and extractives sector, and warmly welcome Hon. Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza as the new Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
As she assumes leadership of the Ministry, Hon. Dr. Musenero brings with her a distinguished background in science, technology, innovation, and public service.
In her maiden address to staff, she challenged the sector to reflect on three fundamental strategic questions:
Where is the money?
Where are the industries? And where is the energy?
These questions provide a powerful lens through which to examine how Uganda’s energy and mineral resources can generate greater value, drive industrialisation, and support sustainable economic transformation.
This edition of the newsletter showcases the progress the sector continues to make in answering these important questions.
As the country advances preparations towards First Oil, the Ministry remains focused on ensuring that Uganda’s petroleum resources create lasting value for citizens through investment, employment, local content development, and infrastructure growth.
At the same time, Government continues to strengthen energy security through strategic interventions aimed at maintaining stable petroleum supplies despite ongoing global market uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
Uganda’s commitment to a sustainable energy future also remains unwavering. The successful hosting of the International Solar Alliance High-Level Mission, the signing of the Country Partnership Framework, and the launch of the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre at Busitema University demonstrate how clean energy solutions are expanding access to electricity while supporting agriculture, innovation, and climate resilience.
The Ministry is equally committed to promoting clean cooking technologies through initiatives such as the Uganda Biogas and Electric Cooking Project, ensuring that more Ugandans benefit from modern, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
In the minerals sector, ongoing geological mapping, stakeholder engagements on mineral markets and buying centres, and efforts to strengthen local participation and value addition continue to position minerals as a key driver of Uganda’s industrial future.
As we embark on this new chapter of leadership, we remain guided by our mandate to sustainably manage Uganda’s energy and mineral resources for national development.
We invite you to journey with us as we work towards a future where our resources power industries, create jobs, attract investment, and improve the quality of life for all Ugandans.
We thank all our stakeholders for their continued support and partnership. As always, we welcome your feedback and contributions.
Patricia K. Litho (PhD)
Assistant Commissioner, Communications & Information Management
