By Ajong Mbapndah L
At the Sheraton Kampala Hotel recently, the 2nd Youth in Energy Conference turned into a powerful platform for vision and action as more than 300 students, young professionals, and energy experts—joined by nearly 500 online participants—gathered under the theme “Awareness to Action: Youth Shaping Uganda’s Energy Transition.”
The event came at a defining moment in Uganda’s journey to balance energy access, sustainability, and growth. It was also a celebration of what is becoming one of the country’s most dynamic stories: how a generation of young Ugandans is shaping the future of energy and development.
“The Future Must Be Built by Those Who Will Live In It”
The highlight of the day was the keynote by Marieme -Sav Sow, Vice President for Engagement & Advocacy at TotalEnergies, whose address blended urgency, inspiration, and practical direction.
“We cannot let the future be designed by those who won’t live in it,” Sow declared to thunderous applause. “Your voice, your energy, and your seat at the table are absolutely essential.”
Her message was clear: Uganda’s youthful population—over 75% of whom are under 30—is not a statistic but a strategic force. Sow urged young Ugandans to see themselves as architects of the energy transition, not just observers of it.
She described how TotalEnergies is embedding youth empowerment and sustainability into its operations in Uganda, showing that corporate investment and community development can go hand in hand.
Investing in Uganda’s Energy Future
Sow outlined a series of concrete, high-impact projects that demonstrate how TotalEnergies’ investments are transforming Uganda’s energy landscape—creating jobs, transferring skills, and building capacity for a low-carbon future.
- Solar Power Expansion: TotalEnergies is developing 40 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity across two sites, designed not only to strengthen the grid but to give local engineers hands-on experience in renewable infrastructure.
- Hydropower Partnership: With its 28% stake in the Bujagali Hydropower Plant, TotalEnergies contributes to roughly a quarter of Uganda’s total electricity generation—reinforcing grid stability and showcasing long-term investment in the nation’s clean energy backbone.
- Cleaner Cooking and Industry: A Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plant being constructed within the Tilenga Upstream Project area is set to provide a safer, cleaner, and more efficient alternative to biomass, addressing both environmental and health challenges, especially for women.
- E-Mobility Revolution: The company is also investing in EV charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure, helping phase out high-emission engines and improve urban air quality.
Each of these projects, Sow emphasized, represents real action toward a just energy transition—one that ensures Africa’s development is powered responsibly while expanding access to energy for all.
“Africa must have the right to use its natural resources to develop,” she said. “That is not a rejection of sustainability—it is the very definition of climate justice.”
From Training to Transformation: Building Careers for Young Ugandans
Beyond infrastructure, Sow underscored TotalEnergies’ long-term commitment to human capital development, spotlighting initiatives that have already benefited thousands of Ugandan youths.
Through education, training, and local employment, the company is nurturing a new generation of engineers, scientists, and technicians.
- The Tilenga Academy Training Program has trained nearly 200 Ugandans in advanced production operations—both at the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba (UPIK) and in international centers of excellence in Oman, Malaysia, and France.
- The first cohort of 100 trainees returned home this year after completing their overseas training.
- The second cohort is currently abroad and will join Uganda’s energy workforce with internationally recognized certifications.
- Nearly 3,000 young Ugandans have benefited from TotalEnergies Uganda’s broader education and youth empowerment programs—spanning STEM scholarships, vocational internships, and innovation partnerships with local universities and tech hubs.
- In the Tilenga Project alone, more than 10,000 jobs have been created, 3,700 of them filled by people from host communities, with over $700 million in local investments fueling the national economy.
Sow described how her recent visits to the company’s sites in Hoima, Buliisa, Nwoya, and Kakumiro left her inspired.
“What moved me most was not the size of the machinery, but the spirit of the young Ugandans I met. They are mastering new skills and speaking with confidence about their work. They are the pioneers of Uganda’s progress.”
Championing Women in Energy
In a heartfelt segment of her speech, Sow turned to address the young women in the audience.
“You might be told this field is not for you. That is a lie. The energy sector needs your intellect, resilience, and unique perspective.”
Her advice was direct:
- Be technically excellent. Master your craft.
- Find your tribe. Seek mentors and sponsors who lift you higher.
- Never apologize for ambition.
She urged both men and women to support inclusion, reminding them that gender equity is not a favor—it is essential for innovation.
From Awareness to Action
The conference also featured contributions from leaders of the Petroleum Authority of Uganda, CNOOC Uganda Ltd, UNOC, and others, who emphasized collaboration between industry, academia, and youth networks to accelerate Uganda’s transition.
Panelists discussed financing for green start-ups, energy policy reform, and building local value chains—highlighting examples of youth-led innovations in clean cooking, smart metering, and solar-powered agribusiness.
For many participants, the message was clear: the energy transition will not be imported; it will be built in Uganda, by Ugandans.
As the conference concluded, Marieme- Sav Sow left the audience with words that echoed the event’s central theme:
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. Let us move together—from awareness to action, from ambition to achievement.”
