GOVERNMENT HAS NO REGRETS FOR LIBERALIZING THE ENERGY SECTOR - RUGUNDA

PM Dr Ruhakana Rugunda (R) meeting the Ghananian Minister for Energy and Petroleum Arma-Kofi Buah (L) at Office of the Prime Minister on Monday. PMPU photo. 

By Our Reporter

The Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has said Government has no regrets for liberalising the energy sector despite the challenges it has encountered over the last 10 years.

He said the country had gained enough experience in dealing with the private sector in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity to Ugandans. 
“Uganda undertook the electricity sector reforms to improve performance in the sector,” Dr Rugunda said.
The Premier made the remarks on Monday while meeting a delegation from the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum of the Republic of Ghana and Representatives of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

The delegation led by Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Petroleum Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah are in the country to study Uganda’s liberalization process of the energy sector.
Ghana is currently evaluating the best private sector approach for electric power distribution and they are keen to learn from Uganda.
Rugunda said the two countries have a lot in common, hailing Ghana’s pioneering role in the struggle for Africa’s independence.
“Kwame Nkrumah remains a towering hero in the struggle for Africa’s liberation and we are proud of his role,” said Rugunda.
The Ghananian Energy Minister said they had learnt a lot of lessons particularly regarding the cost of electricity, tariff impact and accelerating power access to the rural areas. 
The meeting was also attended by the Minister for General duties in the Office of the Prime Minister Prof. Tarsis Kabwegyere.

CREDIT SOURCE: DAILY MONITOR