The National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) successfully held its Inaugural and Extraordinary Meeting of the Board of Trustees on 12th December 2024 at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. This milestone event marked a new chapter for NREP in its mission to drive sustainable and competitive development in Uganda’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sector.
The meeting was graced by representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), with the Permanent Secretary, Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe, represented by Dr. Brian E. Isabirye, Commissioner for Renewable Energy.
The core purpose of the meeting was to:
- Formally constitute and inaugurate the NREP Board of Trustees.
- Adopt the NREP Constitution and operational frameworks.
- Discuss NREP’s strategic direction and achievements to date.
During the meeting, the following Board of Trustees was formally inaugurated:
- Chairperson: Ms. Specioza Ndagire (Managing Director Emeritus, UECCC)
- Vice Chairperson: Dr. Frank Sebbowa (Emeritus Executive Director, Uganda Investment Authority)
- Secretary: Eng. Elizabeth Kaijuka Okwenje (Ag. Assistant Commissioner, Renewable Energy Department, MEMD)
- Treasurer: Hon. Shartsi Musherure (Member of Parliament, Mawogola North)
- Deputy Treasurer: Mr. Julius Magala (Energy Access Coordinator, UNCDF)
- Member: Mr. Richard Kimbowa (Chairperson, Renewable Energy CSOs Network – Uganda)
- Member: Ms. Ruth Komuntale (Managing Director, ECOCA East Africa)
Key Achievements and Milestones Highlighted
The meeting provided an opportunity to showcase NREP’s progress since its inception, including:
- Successful organization of the Renewable Energy Conference 2024 and Expo (REC24 & EXPO), which brought together key stakeholders to drive discussions on renewable energy solutions and innovations.
- NREP’s pivotal role in the Behavioral Change Communication for e-Cooking (BCCeC) project, a collaboration between the Government of Uganda (through MEMD) and the UK Government. This initiative focuses on creating awareness and fostering behavioral change to scale up clean cooking interventions across Uganda.
The Permanent Secretary, Eng. Irene Pauline Batebe, was officially nominated and endorsed as the Patron of NREP, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to NREP’s mission.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While highlighting achievements, the Board also addressed key challenges, particularly around financial sustainability. The Trustees emphasized the need for strategic resource mobilization, stronger partnerships, and innovative financing mechanisms to support NREP’s activities.
In her remarks, Ms. Specioza Ndagire, the newly appointed Chairperson, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to guiding NREP in achieving its mandate of harmonizing the renewable energy sector, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful change.
Conclusion:
The inaugural meeting marks the beginning of a stronger governance structure for NREP. With a dynamic leadership team in place, NREP is well-positioned to implement its strategic goals, enhance stakeholder engagement, and contribute to Uganda’s energy transition.
The NREP Secretariat extends its gratitude to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the newly inaugurated Trustees, and all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration.
Together, we are shaping a sustainable energy future for Uganda.
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