The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Canon Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, has urged development partners, private sector actors, and innovators to strengthen partnerships that accelerate Uganda’s transition to clean, sustainable, and inclusive energy systems.
Speaking at the opening of the Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2025 (REC25) at the Kampala Serena Hotel, Hon. Nankabirwa applauded organisers and partners for their consistent commitment to advancing Uganda’s renewable energy agenda, noting that this year’s theme — “Transforming Energy Systems for Livelihoods and Conservation” — could not have been timelier.
“Conserving the planet is very critical,” Hon. Nankabirwa said. “But just as important is conserving me as a person — save me from inheriting carbon dioxide, with our children behind us.”
She noted that Uganda’s energy sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by new hydropower and solar projects, grid expansion, reforms that have lowered electricity tariffs, and clean cooking initiatives that are improving livelihoods while protecting the environment.
“Together we can build an energy sector that is sustainable, inclusive, and competitive — one that safeguards the environment and positions Uganda as a model in the region,” Dr Nankabirwa emphasised.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a just energy transition rooted in local manufacturing, innovation, and community participation. “Our collective focus is sustaining momentum — scaling with speed, strengthening partnerships, promoting innovation, and supporting local manufacturing,” she said. “Uganda welcomes the private sector, innovators, and communities to co-create solutions for a just energy transition.”
She extended her appreciation to key partners — including the UK Government, European Union, GIZ Uganda, Sweden, TotalEnergies Uganda, FAO Uganda, UECCC, Equity Bank Uganda, Stanbic Uganda, and the World Bank — for powering Uganda’s renewable energy journey. “Together, let’s light the path to a greener, more resilient future,” she concluded.
Clean Cooking
A major highlight of REC25 was the launch of the Clean Cooking Unit (CCU) — a bold step toward Uganda’s goal of achieving 50% clean cooking access by 2030. Supported by the UK Government, UK MECS, GIZ, Gggi Uganda, and ICLEI Africa, the unit aims to accelerate the adoption of electric cooking technologies in institutions and households.
Eng. Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), said the Clean Cooking Unit represents a strategic leap in Uganda’s clean energy transformation.
“We have been challenged, but also inspired, to continue advancing aspects of the country’s energy security while addressing other critical issues,” Eng. Bateebe said. “We agreed to optimise investments in the electricity supply industry through least-cost planning — a journey we are already on, and one that aligns with the World Bank’s approach.”
Mr Brian Isabirye, Commissioner at MEMD, highlighted the UK’s support for Uganda’s Clean Cooking Scale-Up initiative, noting that the government is committed to building a competitive, highly commercialised clean cooking market that benefits all Ugandans.
International Partners Applaud Uganda’s Progress
In her remarks, H.E. Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, commended the growing impact of the Renewable Energy Conference, noting that it has become a flagship platform for regional collaboration on green energy.
“The Renewable Energy Conference keeps getting bigger and more impactful each year,” she said. “Since REC24, we’ve seen new partnerships emerge between the National Renewable Energy Platform and Uganda’s kingdoms and religious leaders, bringing clean cooking messages into homes through these vital cultural institutions.”
She added that the collaboration between Uganda and the United Kingdom continues to drive innovation, investment, and shared learning in the clean energy sector. “We’ve also witnessed significant progress, including the successful piloting of Uganda’s first electricity transmission initiatives,” H.E. Chesney noted.
Steve Hunt, Senior Energy Innovation Advisor at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), underscored the importance of Results-Based Financing (RBF) in extending clean cooking access to remote communities.
“RBF offers great potential to extend clean cooking access to the last mile,” Hunt said. “But achieving real impact requires combined universal support with targeted top-ups for vulnerable groups such as refugees.”
Financing Uganda’s Green Transition
Ms Virginia Ssemakula, Pillar Head for Energy, Environment and Climate Change at Equity Bank Uganda, called for stronger collaborations between banks, development partners, and private investors.
“Commercial banks in Uganda are increasingly accessing European Union financing to design market-based credit lines that support renewable energy clients,” Ssemakula said. “These facilities enable us to provide affordable financing for solar production, clean cooking solutions, and energy efficiency projects — especially for SMEs and rural households.”
She highlighted that while financing is improving, challenges such as high technology costs and long payback periods still hinder sector growth. “To overcome these barriers, we must introduce technology guarantees and strengthen partnerships to de-risk projects and attract more financing,” she noted.
Ms Goretti Masadde, CEO of the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS), added that the financial sector must build capacity to support Uganda’s clean energy ambitions.
“At UIBFS, we have begun embedding green finance and renewable energy lending into our training programmes,” Masadde said. “When we learn, we transform — and together, we lead our region toward a cleaner, more inclusive future.”
The two-day Renewable Energy Conference and Expo 2025, organised by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in partnership with the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), brought together government agencies, financiers, development partners, and innovators to shape the future of Uganda’s energy transition.
