Enhancing Evidence-Based Decision-Making: NREP & ACRES Collaboration

Introduction

The National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) and the Centre for Rapid Evidence Synthesis (ACRES) recently convened a high-level strategic meeting to explore collaborative opportunities in evidence-based policymaking for Uganda’s renewable energy sector. As a leading knowledge-brokering institution specializing in research, data analysis, and policy dialogues, ACRES proposed the establishment of a dedicated evidence desk service under NREP.

This initiative aims to provide stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, and energy practitioners—with data-driven insights to support informed decision-making, enhance sectoral research quality, and drive impactful energy policies in Uganda.

Key Discussion Areas

1. Clean Cooking and Policy Implications

The meeting acknowledged that while the health benefits of clean cooking are well-documented, there is a pressing need to highlight its financial implications. Participants agreed that assessing the cost-effectiveness of clean cooking solutions from both government and consumer perspectives would strengthen advocacy and policy development.

2. Research on Household Air Pollution

To further support clean energy adoption, ACRES was encouraged to investigate the correlation between household cooking area location and air pollution exposure. This research will provide concrete data to inform policies aimed at reducing health risks associated with traditional biomass cooking methods.

3. Upcoming Research & Mapping Initiatives

Plans are underway to finalize a natural resources degradation impact map by February 2025. Additionally, NREP will launch a dedicated mapping project in March to assess Uganda’s renewable energy landscape, helping stakeholders make informed investment and policy decisions.

4. Strengthening Sector Research & Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholders raised concerns regarding the limited access to high-quality research within Uganda’s renewable energy sector. To address this, participants emphasized the importance of structured stakeholder mapping, involving key players such as the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and development partners. A coordinated approach will improve research dissemination and utilization.

5. Capacity Building & Policy Training

To enhance the development of evidence-based policies, ACRES committed to designing and conducting policy brief drafting training for NREP staff. A customized policy training curriculum will be developed, ensuring that NREP personnel are equipped with the skills to produce high-quality, data-driven policy recommendations.

6. Tailoring Research for Diverse Audiences

A key takeaway from the meeting was the need to ensure that research findings are accessible and useful for all stakeholders. This includes elite policymakers, as well as last-mile consumers who directly benefit from renewable energy solutions. Strategies will be implemented to ensure that research is presented in simple, actionable formats, increasing its practical impact.

The Significance of This Collaboration

The partnership between NREP and ACRES represents a milestone in integrating high-quality research into Uganda’s renewable energy policies. By leveraging ACRES’ expertise in evidence synthesis and NREP’s stakeholder coordination role, this collaboration is expected to:
✅ Enhance data-driven policymaking in the renewable energy sector.
✅ Improve research accessibility and dissemination among key players.
✅ Strengthen sector capacity-building initiatives for more effective policy development.
✅ Drive more targeted and impactful clean energy strategies across Uganda.

As NREP continues to position itself as a knowledge hub for Uganda’s renewable energy transformation, partnerships like this will play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s sustainable energy future.