As Uganda prepares for its first oil production, TotalEnergies EP Uganda is calling on the country’s youth to play a pivotal role in driving a sustainable energy future.
The call to action was made during the Youth in Energy Conference 2025, held at Sheraton Hotel Kampala under the theme “Awareness to Action: Youth Shaping Uganda’s Energy Transition.”
The event brought together university students, entrepreneurs, innovators, policy influencers, and energy experts to explore inclusive pathways for youth leadership in the energy space.
Marieme-Sav Sow, Vice President of Engagement & Advocacy at TotalEnergies, emphasized the critical role young people must play in shaping a cleaner, more inclusive future.
“The current energy transition presents a generational opportunity to redefine development through sustainable and inclusive pathways. The world is at a crossroads your courage, creativity, and ability to turn ideas into enterprises and advocacy into policy is urgently needed,” she said.
“There can be no real development without engaging half the population.” She noted that with over 75% of Uganda’s population under 30, youth are not just stakeholders but architects of the future.
“Youth involvement in clean energy innovation, policy advocacy, and entrepreneurship is vital to achieving universal energy access and building climate resilience,” she added.
“We need to innovate for solutions that fit the Ugandan and African context from productive-use solar and agro-processing to smart metering, clean cooking, and e-mobility systems.” she said.
She also encouraged young people to push for policies that attract capital and support the transformation of ideas into scalable businesses. Gloria Sebikari, corporate affairs Manager at the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU) said the future of Uganda’s energy sector rests on the shoulders of young people.
As government, we are encouraged to see youth taking an active role in the energy transition from acquiring technical and soft skills to embracing innovation and entrepreneurship. Our commitment is to ensure youth participation is inclusive, informed, and transformative.”
Peter Muliisa, general counsel of the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) stated that Uganda’s energy transition must address both energy poverty and economic poverty. We are committed to developing our oil and gas resources responsibly with one of the lowest carbon emissions per barrel globally so that our people benefit while the environment is protected,” he said. “The youth must equip themselves with knowledge, engage in the dialogue, and actively drive a just and sustainable transition.”
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