Research perspectives for improving regulation and policy development for energy efficiency and sustainable mobility in Uganda

This perspective explores the regulatory and policy challenges facing Uganda’s energy and transportation sectors, which impede the transition to a sustainable energy future. Despite foundational policy frameworks such as the National Energy Policy (2023) and Uganda Vision 2040, the country’s regulatory environment lacks enforceable mandates essential for promoting energy efficiency and sustainable mobility. Increasing energy demands and urbanization worsen inefficiencies, highlighting the need for integrated policies that target industrial decarbonization, energy performance standards, and electrified transportation systems. Using a structured qualitative policy analysis framework integrating content analysis, critical discourse analysis, and comparative policy evaluation, this study systematically assesses Uganda’s policy gaps, enforcement challenges, and opportunities for regulatory improvements. Drawing from global best practices, the paper outlines forward-looking strategies to address these gaps, including the adoption of mandatory energy performance standards (MEPS), innovative financial mechanisms, such as green loans and public-private partnerships, and comprehensive national mobility strategies prioritizing electrified mass rapid transit and low-carbon infrastructure. The perspective highlights the importance of data-driven policymaking and robust financial incentives to accelerate the uptake of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable transportation solutions. The insights and recommendations are intended to inform policy and practice scalable to other nations in the Global South. Implementing these strategies will enable Uganda to achieve economic growth while fulfilling its sustainability obligations under global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and SDGs (7, 9, 11, and 13). This work contributes to the broader discourse on energy policy and sustainability, aligning well with the global energy community’s focus on innovative perspectives at the intersection of technology, environment, policy, and economics.