A Systematic Review of Climate-Related Energy Research in Uganda: An African Perspective,

This systematic literature review synthesises peer-reviewed research from 2021 to 2026 to analyse the evolving discourse on climate-related energy research in Uganda, a nation acutely vulnerable to climate impacts. Its primary objective is to map the thematic focus, methodological approaches, and identified gaps within this field, centring an African perspective on energy security and climate resilience. Employing the PRISMA framework, a rigorous search and screening process was conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, and African-specific databases, with explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria documented. Findings reveal a dominant, yet narrowing, focus on renewable energy potential—primarily solar, hydro, and biomass—for climate mitigation. A significant emerging theme is the adaptation of energy systems to climate variability, particularly concerning hydropower vulnerability and decentralised solutions. Crucially, the review identifies a persistent gap in integrated policy analysis that concurrently addresses energy access, climate adaptation, and sustainable development goals within the Ugandan socio-political context. The significance of this work lies in its rigorous consolidation of recent evidence to inform national and regional policymakers. It underscores the necessity for future research that prioritises climate-resilient energy planning, localised socio-technical solutions, and just transition frameworks, thereby contributing to a more robust and context-sensitive African climate science agenda.