By Karim Were
Uganda and Tanzania are advancing plans for a cross-border natural gas pipeline, with fresh emphasis on accelerating cleaner energy access and reducing reliance on traditional fuels.
During a Joint Technical Committee meeting held on 21 April 2026, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Fred Mwesigye, underscored the strategic importance of the proposed pipeline linking Kinyerezi in Tanzania to Rubanda in Uganda. The discussions centered on the ongoing feasibility study, a critical step toward determining the project’s viability and timeline.
Rather than focusing solely on infrastructure development, the talks highlighted the pipeline’s role in transforming household energy use across the region. By expanding access to natural gas, the project is expected to support a transition away from firewood and other biomass fuels, a move seen as key to improving environmental sustainability and public health.
The initiative builds on a 2018 bilateral agreement between the two countries, which established a framework for joint energy projects aimed at strengthening regional integration. Officials at the meeting stressed the need for close coordination and oversight of the feasibility study to ensure the project progresses efficiently.
If the pipeline could become a cornerstone of East Africa’s energy transition strategy—supporting industrial growth while promoting cleaner, more reliable energy solutions for both urban and rural communities.
