The Renewable Energy Training Centre (RETC) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the German Embassy in Uganda and GIZ, the key funders behind the establishment of the Centre.
During the visit, Dr. Nicholas Mukisa, Deputy National Coordinator, NREP provided an overview of RETC’s achievements. He revealed that the Centre has so far trained over 1,000 individuals in renewable energy technologies especially solar installation. He emphasized RETC’s inclusive approach, noting that the Centre accommodates participants such as breastfeeding mothers through dedicated facilities like a nursing room.
Dr. Mukisa highlighted the growing demand for skilled technicians across Uganda, stating that the country needs approximately two to three technicians per parish, translating to a national requirement of about 500,000 technicians to effectively install and maintain solar systems. He added that RETC maintains regular follow-up with its trainees through phone and email to provide continued support.
The delegation was taken on a guided tour of the facility by Dr. Paul Nduhuura, Head Research and Capacity Building, NREP. They visited the solar panel arrays, the control room with its 21kWh battery storage system, well-equipped training classrooms, and the equipment room featuring advanced tools such as the Lucas module training system, solar panel adjustment components, and system control units. He also pointed out that the Centre is exploring partnerships with universities to optimize its solar systems and expand training services to upcountry regions.
Discussions during the visit underscored the importance of hybrid power solutions to ensure reliability and confirmed that solar systems can effectively power household appliances such as refrigerators and televisions.
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A leading initiative dedicated to strengthening Uganda’s renewable energy sector through high-quality technical training and capacity building.
