NREP Highlights
Buganda Kingdom and NREP Unite to Champion Clean Cooking in Ssembabule
The National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) proudly joined the Buganda Kingdom, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), and key development partners in commemorating Buganda Kingdom Environment Day in Ssembabule District, a milestone event focused on environmental stewardship, cultural leadership, and clean energy advocacy.
Held at the district grounds, the celebration brought together students, community leaders, policymakers, civil society, and private sector actors.
NREP Showcases Clean Cooking Solutions at World Refugee Day in Kiryandongo
The National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), alongside partners, celebrated World Refugee Day in Kiryandongo under the global theme, “Solidarity with Refugees”, a worldwide call to turn empathy into action and make sure displaced people are neither forgotten nor left behind.
The event kicked off with remarks from Hon. Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, who highlighted the government’s enduring commitment to refugee-hosting communities. Her presence underscored the unity between national leadership and local action in advancing the welfare of displaced populations.
Mukono Outreach Advances Clean Cooking Adoption and Awareness
The initiative focused on raising awareness, improving public understanding, and driving adoption of electric cooking technologies as safer, healthier, and more sustainable alternatives to traditional fuels.
Powering Progress: Lira City Sizzles with “Electric Cooking Initiative”
The event was attended by several stakeholders including government (policy makers, police force, city council), academia and the media among others. This initiative aimed to engage key stakeholders in the adoption of electric cooking technologies, ultimately contributing to a cleaner environment, improved public health and a sustainable future for Uganda.
Empowering Clean Cooking Transitions in Bidibidi Refugee Settlement: A SOLCO–NREP Partnership Milestone
The event showcased the commitment to support displaced communities with clean, dignified clean cooking energy solutions that protect health, the environment, and long-term livelihoods.
Renewable Energy Competition, 2025
The 3rd Renewable Energy Competition is a joint initiative by the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) and STEPUP Standard Limited aimed at engaging young people in activities that drive behavior change and adoption of clean-cooking technologies across Uganda.
Over 88% of cooking fuel in Uganda is obtained from biomass energy, majorly firewood and charcoal. This consumption rate worries sustainable initiatives, coupled with health challenges arising from indoor air pollution and continuous exposure to smoke.
Through this competition, we aim to create awareness, clear misconceptions, and showcase the benefits of clean cooking through tailored messages and community engagement, contributing to the National Development Plan IV target of increasing clean energy use for cooking from the current 25% to 50% by 2030.
RE Sector Highlights Around the Region and Globe
1. Firewood costs strain northern Uganda schools
Schools across northern Uganda's Lango Sub-region are facing a mounting !nancial and environmental crisis as they continue to rely on !rewood for cooking, with education leaders calling for a shift to clean energy alternatives. Police Primary School in Lira City, which serves more than 1,500 pupils, has seen !rewood costs spiral due to deforestation and long transport distances. “For the last two years, we’ve experienced a shortage of !rewood from nearby Otuke and Alebtong,” said Mr Tom Richard Okello, the school’s director of studies.
2. Experts call for regional strategy on sustainable charcoal production
The call was made during a forum themed “10+ Years of Forest and Climate Action in Uganda: Lessons and Knowledge Sharing from European Union-Funded Projects”, held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Kampala. Environmental experts are urging a coordinated regional approach to charcoal production and policy reform to address the growing energy and environmental challenges across sub-Saharan Africa. The call was made during a forum themed “10+ Years of Forest and Climate Action in Uganda: Lessons and Knowledge Sharing from European Union-Funded Projects”, held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Kampala. The event was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Experts from the FAO and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) highlighted the need for governments to move away from denial and embrace evidence-based, sustainable management of charcoal production and use.
3. Energy Access Has Improved, Yet International Financial Support Still Needed to Boost Progress and Address Disparities
Washington, New York, Paris, Geneva, Abu Dhabi, 25 June 2025 – Tracking SDG 7: The Energy Progress Report 2025 finds that almost 92% of the world’s population now has basic access to electricity. Although this is an improvement since 2022, which saw the number of people without basic access decrease for the first time in a decade, over 666 million people remain without access, indicating that the current rate is insufficient to reach universal access by 2030. Clean cooking access is progressing but below the rates of progress seen in the 2010s, as efforts remain hobbled by setbacks during the Covid-19 pandemic, following energy price shocks, and debt crises.
4. Sendea Institute Skills Technicians on Solar Irrigation Systems
Government plans to concentrate on developing irrigation infrastructure and assisting farmers through a range of initiatives in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins in just one week. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries intends to improve farmer support for micro-scale irrigation programs by o!ering a matching grant program. This entails creating irrigation plans on both a large and small scale, promoting the use of solar-powered systems, and helping farmers purchase irrigation equipment. "We want to build on the progress made with the Parish Development Model (PDM).The government wants environmental challenges, such as appropriate water harvesting to support production, to be adequately controlled," Gulu District Deputy CAO Auric Oryem said.
5. Uganda Illuminates Path to Sustainable Energy Future at Africa Electricity Summit
Uganda is taking center stage in Africa’s energy transformation, showcasing its remarkable progress and ambitious plans at the ongoing Africa Electricity Summit in Kampala. Officiated by the Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, the summit is highlighting the critical role of smart innovation and sustainable energy in achieving the continent’s ambitious growth agenda, with Uganda positioning itself as a leader in equitable and sustainable energy development. Minister Nankabirwa’s opening address painted a compelling picture of Uganda’s journey, revealing a significant leap in electricity access from a mere 7% in 2001 to over 60% today. This growth, she noted, has outpaced many regional counterparts, underscoring the nation’s strong commitment to expanding energy access for its citizens.
6. Equity Bank Uganda goes big on enabling access to clean and affordable energy solutions
At the center of these efforts is the Equi-Green product—a financial solution designed to help households, small businesses, and communities to access energy-saving products. These products include clean cooking stoves, solar lighting systems, and water and sanitation (WASH) solutions. By reducing dependence on traditional energy sources such as charcoal and kerosene, Equi-Green supports healthier lifestyles, lower energy costs, and a cleaner environment. These initiatives align with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensures that the bank is playing a key role in combating climate change by facilitating investments in green projects that have a long-lasting positive impact and preservation of the environment
7. Africa’s shift to 100% renewable energy could create 5.4 Million Jobs by 2050 — Report
Africa could generate up to 5.4 million new energy sector jobs by 2050 if it transitions to a fully renewable energy system. This is according to a new report titled ‘African Energy Leadership: The Case for 100% Renewable Energy’, which was released on Thursday in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney (UTS-ISF), at the ongoing June climate meeting (SB62) in Bonn, Germany. The report argues that a 100% renewable energy future for Africa is not only achievable but also the most affordable, healthiest, and most equitable path to the continent’s development.
REC25 & EXPO
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Upcoming Events
Media Training on Clean Cooking (May 30th – July 11th, 2025)
The National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), in partnership with key stakeholders, is set to roll out a Media Training on Clean Cooking from May 30th to July 11th , 2025. This training is part of the Behaviour Change Communication on Electric Cooking (BCCeC) Project and aims to build the capacity of media professionals to report effectively on clean cooking technologies. The program features a mix of virtual sessions, a field visit on July 4th , and a final in-person session on July 11th, blending theory with practical insights to promote informed, engaging, and impactful storytelling around clean cooking. Interested participants (excluding facilitators) are encouraged to register via the link below: This training is a strategic step toward fostering public awareness and supporting Uganda’s clean energy transition.
USEA National Solar Expo 2025 – 2nd Edition!
The Uganda Solar Energy Association(USEA) is thrilled to announce the 2nd Edition of the USEA National Solar Expo 2025 – Uganda’s premier event for solar and renewable energy innovation! This year’s expo will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and energy enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in solar energy and sustainability.
What to Expect:
- Cutting-edge solar technologies & solutions
- Expert panels & insightful discussions
- Networking with key stakeholders
- Strategies for a greener, sustainable future
Date: 28th – 30th August 2025
Location: Kampala, Uganda
3rd Edition of Power & Elec Uganda 2025
The 3rd Edition of Power & Elec Uganda, the Largest Power, Energy, Electrical, Electronics, Lighting, Solar & Other Renewables focused International Exhibition in Uganda will be taking place from the 10-12 July, 2025 at the Multi – Purpose Hall in UMA Show Grounds, Kampala. The exhibition will be the gateway to the East African Business Community in Uganda. The event will be hosting Power & Elec Professionals, Importers & Exporters, Wholesalers and Decision Makers of the East African Region in Uganda. Exhibitors from around 8+ countries will be participating in this exhibition looking to explore the untapped potential of the East Africa Market in Uganda.
Solar Africa Kenya 2025
SOLAR EXPO – Kenya is the foremost exhibition in Kenya and the entire East and Central African region for the solar industry. The event is the largest and most significant in the region attracting leading companies, experts, professionals and decision makers. The trade exhibition is a key platform for promoting the latest products, technology and equipment for the solar industry. The expo participants gain special access to the East African market allowing them to experience the domestic needs and tailor their products to the region.
Solar energy is one of the most abundant and accessible renewable energy sources in Kenya, with an average solar radiation of 4-6 kWh/m2/day. The government of Kenya has enacted several policies and initiatives to promote the development and deployment of solar energy in the country.
Be Where Innovation Meets Impact
Join us at upcoming NREP events designed to spark ideas, foster partnerships, and shape a sustainable future.
