Media Interaction of Construct Uganda Expo co-located with Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo held at Kampala, Uganda ahead of the Expo Beginning on May 21, 2026 at UMA Show Grounds, Kampala, Uganda

Kampala, Uganda | May 14, 2026 The Media Interaction for the upcoming Construct Uganda Expo co-located with Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo 2026 was successfully held on May 14, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda. The international exhibitions will take place from May 21–23, 2026 at the Multi-Purpose Hall, UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo, Kampala, Uganda. The media interaction brought together eminent personalities and stakeholders from Uganda’s construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors, including representatives from UNABSEC, RECSO, WICI, UMA, Environmental Alert, and UACE. Uganda’s solar energy sector is becoming increasingly important as the country works toward meeting rising electricity demand and expanding energy access, particularly in underserved rural communities. While Uganda’s installed electricity generation capacity exceeds 1,400 MW—primarily driven by hydropower—the annual energy demand growth of more than 7% highlights the urgent need for diversification. Solar energy, currently contributing approximately 100–150 MW, is steadily expanding through government initiatives, private sector participation, and international collaboration aimed at achieving universal electricity access by 2030. Supported by abundant solar resources and increasing global participation, including technology and equipment imports from countries such as India, Uganda’s renewable energy sector presents strong opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable development. Uganda’s construction industry has also emerged as one of the key drivers of the country’s economic growth, contributing over 12% to the national GDP. Sustained investments in housing, transportation infrastructure, industrial developments, commercial projects, and oil pipeline infrastructure continue to create long-term business opportunities across the sector. The media interaction was addressed by several distinguished dignitaries and industry leaders, including: • Mr. Trushar Upadhyay, Sr. Advisor, Advisory Board – Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo and Construct Uganda Expo • Ms. Kiara Binta Nkuranga, Hon’ble President, Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) • Ms. Jacinta Nekesa Nangabo, Executive Director, Environmental Alert and Secretariat for Renewable Energy Civil Society Organizations Network (RECSO) • Ms. Nambooze Maliam, Board Member, Women in Construction & Infrastructure Uganda (WICI) • Mr. Mubarak Kirunda Nkuutu, Director – Business Development & Membership, Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) • Ms. Mansi Gaur, Spokesperson, Max Group • Mr. Kimbowa Richard, Hon’ble Chairman, Renewable Energy CSO (RECSO) Network Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Trushar Upadhyay stated that Uganda stands at a very important stage of economic and industrial transformation. He highlighted that the country’s construction sector has emerged as one of the strongest contributors to economic growth, creating opportunities across infrastructure, housing, engineering, transportation, manufacturing, and urban development. He further noted that the Government of Uganda’s continued investments in roads, housing projects, industrial parks, airports, energy projects, and oil pipeline developments are creating a strong foundation for long-term economic progress. Rapid urbanization and population growth are also driving demand for modern construction technologies, advanced building materials, smart infrastructure solutions, and sustainable engineering practices. Speaking about the energy sector, Mr. Upadhyay emphasized that reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions remain central to Uganda’s development journey. While hydropower continues to dominate Uganda’s energy mix, increasing electricity demand and the need for wider rural electrification have accelerated the importance of solar and renewable energy solutions. Mr. Mubarak Kirunda Nkuutu, Director – Business Development & Membership at the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), appreciated the organizers for choosing UMA as the venue partner for the event. He welcomed the initiative of organizing the Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo alongside Construct Uganda Expo from May 21–23, 2026, at the Multi-Purpose Hall, UMA Show Grounds, Kampala, Uganda, and emphasized the importance of such international platforms in promoting industrial growth, manufacturing partnerships, and investment opportunities in Uganda. Further addressing the gathering, Ms. Nambooze Maliam, Board Member of Women in Construction & Infrastructure Uganda (WICI), stated that Uganda is not merely hosting an exhibition, but creating a platform for innovation, investment, partnerships, and inclusive economic growth. She highlighted the enormous potential within Uganda’s infrastructure and energy sectors, especially for young professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and local enterprises. She further stated that Construct Uganda Expo 2026 and the Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo 2026 will provide an important international platform for technology transfer, business networking, regional collaboration, and industry growth. She reaffirmed WICI Uganda Chapter’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation, leadership, and professional advancement within Uganda’s construction and infrastructure industries. Sharing her views, Ms. Mansi Gaur, Spokesperson for Max Group, stated that Max Hardware & Tools Ltd was established in 2005 with the vision of supporting Uganda’s growing construction industry by providing quality hardware, building materials, and construction solutions to the local market. She emphasized the company’s message of “Proudly Made in Uganda”, highlighting the importance of local manufacturing in supporting contractors, builders, developers, employment generation, and Uganda’s economic growth. The Construct Uganda Expo and Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo 2026 are expected to attract leading exhibitors, manufacturers, technology providers, industry associations, investors, and trade visitors from multiple countries, creating a strong platform for business networking, partnerships, and regional trade development in East Africa. Ms. Jacinta Nekesa Nangabo, Executive Director of Environmental Alert and the Secretariat for the Renewable Energy Civil Society Organizations Network (RECSO), highlighted that the upcoming Construct Uganda Expo, co-located with the Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo 2026, presents a valuable opportunity for Ugandans to learn about sustainable housing and energy options. She expressed hope that the exhibition would feature durable solar and other energy products, which are currently limited in the market. This, she believes, is crucial for Uganda's road map to adopting renewable energy. "Quality housing and solar energy products are what Ugandans need and look forward to at this forthcoming Expo," she emphasized. Mr. Kimbowa Richard, Chairman of the Renewable Energy CSO (RECSO) Network, added that the Expo comes at a critical time when Uganda, like many landlocked economies, is struggling with rising fuel prices and seeking alternative survival strategies. He noted that Uganda’s new Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which will address energy inefficiencies resulting from outdated appliances and poor industrial and housing practices, could greatly benefit from this event. "The Expo is timely as Uganda is set to implement mandatory energy audits for major users, energy management systems, and minimum performance standards for appliances and equipment," he pointed out. Additionally, he mentioned that the Expo's offerings would be particularly appealing to smallholder farmers and farmer groups looking to add value to their products and preserve them to maximize their incomes. Ms. Kiara Binta Nkuranga, Hon’ble President of the Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC), stated that she had recently attended a major international expo in Ethiopia and had wished to see a similar platform organized in Uganda. She expressed her happiness that such an initiative has now become a reality through Construct Uganda Expo and Power, Energy & Solar Uganda Expo 2026. She further emphasized that national development is strongly dependent on quality infrastructure, noting that key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, trade, and investment all rely heavily on well-developed roads and strong infrastructure systems. According to her, this makes the Expo both timely and highly significant for Uganda’s economic growth and development. Ms. Kiara described the Expo as an important international business platform that the public should not miss and encouraged participation from all sectors, especially since entry to the exhibition is free. She also urged UNABSEC members to take advantage of the special exhibition offers available exclusively to them. In conclusion, the Expo will serve as an excellent platform for industry professionals, buyers, distributors, contractors, consultants, and investors to directly connect with leading manufacturers, technology providers, and solution suppliers from Uganda and across the globe. The event will create valuable opportunities for networking, business collaborations, product sourcing, knowledge sharing, and exploring the latest innovations in the construction, power, energy, solar, and EV sectors.