Program

08:30 – 10:30

Policy Advocacy: A spotlight on the development partners’ interventions

Climate change threats coupled with energy poverty continue to endanger livelihoods in the global South. This panel session will constitute of country representatives of the different development partner organizations discussing ways to address the current energy crisis and the long-term pathways to transition away from fossil fuels in emerging economies. The discussion will focus on the collaborative efforts of development partners in advancing Uganda’s energy sector. Key topics of discussion will include joint initiatives and projects in the renewable energy sector, lessons learned and best practices from ongoing projects and strategies for enhancing the impact of development cooperation in Uganda.

Session Chair: Hon. Shartsi Musherure, Member of Parliament, Mawogola North Constituency

Discussants:

• James Macbeth Forbes, Country Director, GIZ Uganda
• Ivan Tumuhimbise, Country Representative, WWF
• Phomolo Maphosa, Country Director, SNV
• Jan Alber, Country Director, KfW German Development Bank
• Antonio Querido, Country Representative, FAO

Partner: British High Commission

10:30 – 13:00     

A Sincere Discourse on Energy Access and Affordability: Government’s Perspective

The government is responsible for setting the policy for the energy sector and proposing any changes to this statutory framework. Its clear role is to support policy issues such as decarbonisation and operate within this framework. Where there are important policy gaps that affect consumers, the government comes through to address them. The government continually seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its approach. This includes setting out the costs and benefits, as well as the social and environmental impacts, of all major decisions. It regulates only where necessary to protect consumers’ interests and carefully considers whether any regulatory requirement proposes is proportionate and to ensure market stability and affordability of products and services by the populace. It also carries out investigations into company behaviour once believed to have breached a condition of their licence, or the requirements of consumer protection, or competition legislation. This same will bring together government representatives from key ministries regulating the energy sector activities to discuss government’s policies and strategies supporting clean energy access and affordability across the country.

Session Chair: Julius Magala, Energy Access Coordinator, UNCDF

Discussants:

• Dr. Eng. Harrison .E. Mutikanga, CEO, UEGCL
• Selestino Babungi, Managing Director, UMEME
• Abdon Atwine, Commissioner, Rural Electrification Department, MEMD
• Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO, Electricity Regulatory Authority
• Mwesigwa Paul, Managing Director, UEDCL

Partner:

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00- 15:30

High-Level Energy Transition Discourse

This session will bring together representatives from different foreign missions working to accelerate energy transition. The session will serve as a call to action to develop initiatives to advance energy transition. Discussion will focus on the strategic direction of international support in Uganda’s energy sector, focusing on policy alignment, funding mechanisms, and collaborative efforts to drive the country’s clean energy transition

Session Chair: Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe, Permanent Secretary, MEMD

Discussants:

• H.E. Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner
• H.E. Maria Hakansson, Ambassador of Sweden
• H.E. Mathias Schauer, Ambassador Germany
• H.E. Xavier Sticker, Ambassador of France
• H.E. Jan Sadek, Head of the European Union
• Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister, MEMD

Partner: European Union Delegation

15:30- 17:00

Official Opening Ceremony

Opening Remarks

Session Chair: Hon. Daudi Migereko, Former Minister, GOU

Speakers:

• Phillipe Groueix, Country Chair TotalEnergies & TotalEnergies EP Uganda
• H.E Jan Sadek, Head of the European Union Delegation
• H.E. Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner
• Eng. Irene Pauline Bateebe, Permanent Secretary, MEMD
• Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, MEMD

Partner: British High Commission

17:00 – Onwards

Exhibition Guided Tour and Cocktail

Exhibition Area

Cocktail Area

Energy Mainstreaming, the planning and budgeting for and coordination of clean energy in the various sectors at Central and Local Government levels, is crucial for the success of increasing access to clean energy. For the last 10 years, the Sub-Regional Energy Forums have taken place usually twice a year to foster good coordination between the governmental levels, bring together various stakeholders and promote the decentralisation of the energy sector. This year’s Sub-Regional Energy Forum will be hosted again during the REC23 and welcomes District Energy Focal Persons and District Planners from 23 District Local Governments, as well as Officials from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Ministry of Local Government.

Attendance is by invitation only.

Partner:  GIZ

Energy Catalyst Session

Uganda has goals of reaching universal energy access by 2030 and could be able to reach netzero by 2065 (IEA, 2023). Achieving net zero emissions by 2065 would require reaching USD 8 billion in annual clean energy investments in Uganda by the end of the decade, with almost 90% of this financing directed towards projects focused on improving energy access and expanding clean energy capacity, according to the IEA’s analysis. Energy Catalyst accelerates the innovation needed to realise a just and inclusive clean energy transition across Africa, Asia, and Indo-Pacific communities. Energy Catalyst funds the critical innovation needed to create jobs, spur economic growth, and drive an inclusive clean energy transition. To date, Energy Catalyst has funded 18 projects focused on Uganda, totalling to over £7.4 millions of grant funding awarded. 9 of these projects followed ongoing UK-Ugandan collaboration, including an Energy Catalyst Brokerage Event in 2022 which brought 12 UK based organisations to Uganda to build collaborations ahead of Energy Catalyst Round 10 funding. This session will be a celebration of Energy Catalyst projects past and present, as well as an opportunity to continue the conversation on UK-Ugandan collaboration in the energy sector through panel sessions, case studies, and networking.

Session Chair: Amy Flynn, Programme Coordinator – Energy Access, Innovate UK

Discussants:

• Peter Nyeko, Co-founder, Mandulis Energy
•  

Partner: British High Commission

Young people will be the most affected by the climate crisis and need the knowledge and skills to tackle it. This youth dialogues provides a platform for young people to discuss clean energy and sustainable environment in the climate change threats. Taking part in this session will allow young people, particularly the students to reflect more deeply on the link between climate learning and climate action. The dialogues will focus on how young people perceive clean energy and climate action, how it affects their lives, and what actions they prioritize in their own contexts.

Session Chair: Edwin Muhumuza, CEO, Youth Go Green

Discussants:

• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX

Partner: Youth Go Green

Schools have initiated skilling of learners about renewable energy and its benefits. The renewable energy skilling initiatives seek to empower and provide learners with a solid understanding of various renewable energy sources. By introducing innovative educational programmes and practical demonstrations, the initiatives aim to inspire the next generation to embrace sustainable energy solutions and raise awareness about environmental challenges and the importance of adopting sustainable energy practices within the school and the broader community. Also, intend to prepare the future generation to be advocates for a sustainable future. This session will bring together learners from different schools to discuss and debate renewable energy, energy transition and climate change, and suggest options to advance their awareness, advocacy, and adoption.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX

Partner: Youth Go Green

Women and youth continue to be underrepresented as entrepreneurs in the Energy Community Contracting Parties, particularly across energy economies. They are disproportionately affected by major challenges of entering entrepreneurship. Closing these gaps can significantly increase the region’s growth prospects, as research around the world has shown. As we stand on the cusp of the energy transition, there is a vast potential to create new entrepreneurial opportunities. Thus, it is imperative to address existing challenges now. From structural barriers to financial constraints, technical complexities, and beyond, this session will underscore the urgent need to cultivate an enabling environment that empowers women and youth entrepreneurs to lead in this dynamic industry.

Session Chair:  Elizabeth Kasenene, Executive Director, RENTICO

Discussants:

• Catherine Nsungwa, Technical Advisor, PSFU
• Peninnah Mbabazi, Program Officer, Trade Justice, SEATINI Uganda
• Nicholas Kiiza, Sector Head – Power & Infrastructure, Stanbic Bank
• XXXX
• XXXX

Partner: RENTICO

Natural resources underpin economies world over, through resources like water, food security, sustainable charcoal and wildlife habitat. Nature also serves as a bridge to a clean energy future, providing critical carbon sequestration and storage. How do we capitalize on the need for our natural world to support our planet, while continuing to ensure our forests and agricultural lands provide for people as well? The session aims at showcasing the critical role of civil society in shaping the global energy agenda and implementation of commitments and pledges under SDG7 with a bias on women and youth. This discussion will explore the range of natural climate solutions and present a menu of policy options and best practices that can be employed to meet the challenges and opportunities at hand.

Session Chair:  Richard Kimbowa, Chairman, INFORSE & CSOs Network Uganda

Discussants:

• Janet Akugizibwe, Programs Manager, Tree Adoption Uganda
• Twesigye Bashir, Executive Director, Civic Response On Environment And Development (CRED)
• Pauline Nantongo Kalunda, Executive Director, ECOTrust
• Robert Turyakira, Executive Director, Environment Shield
• Acago Bernadette Virginia, CEO& Founder, BernaAcago foundation

Partner: CSOs Network

The need to value water has never been greater. Water scarcity currently affects almost one billion people living in urban areas. Increased demand, coupled with depleted supplies, could mean this figure will double by 2050. And as water is highly location-specific, the impact will be greater in certain hotspots. Water plays an important role in the global energy transition required to achieve the 1.5-degree temperature goal. Wind and solar farms are less water-intensive than fossil fuels, but the world is relying on these technologies to massively expand over the coming decades. Also, green hydrogen is a new and vaunted clean energy source but with much greater water impacts. The growth in clean energy needs to be carefully managed if we are to avoid unsustainable pressures on local water sources. This session will highlight how clean energy policies and planning can consider water availability to reduce water and energy risks as well as promote synergistic solutions, with a focus on national climate planning. As part of the session, the Water-Energy-Climate synergies and agrivoltaics will be discussed and a call to action on water, energy, and climate by the discussants for actors willing to work together on these issues will be taken.

Session Chair: Arthur Makara, Technology and Innovation Advancement and Outreach

Discussants:

• Dr. Ronald Ngobi, WASH Programs Coordinator, Viva con Agua
• Eng. Dominic Banaga Mucunguzi, Assistant commissioner for Water for Production, MAAIF
• Martha Naigaga, National Coordinator, Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Water and Environment
• Elizabeth Kaijuka, Principal Energy Officer, MEMD
• XXXX

Partner: MEMD, MAAIF, MWE

Since 2012, over 493 million people have gained energy access from off-grid solar products. Yet despite this incredible achievement, the world is still not on track to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 —universal energy access— by 2030. The biggest shortfall will be in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where nearly 600 million people are projected to still be living without electricity in 2030 – forcing hundreds of millions to continue to rely on polluting, expensive, and hazardous lighting and energy sources. Through partnerships, we can move faster by leveraging each other’s strengths – if we don’t, we risk a fragmented, ad-hoc approach with marginal impact. Together, we can leverage the collective experience and track record of market leaders, and reach those regions and customers at risk of being left behind in the clean energy transition. This session will bring together development partners to discuss prioritized approaches for fast-tracking universal energy access in Uganda.

Session Chair: Dr. Frank Bunnya Ssebowa, Senior Adviser, UOMA

Discussants:

• Joseph Kapika, Energy Adviser, World Bank
• Davide Bixio, Energy Adviser, European Union in Uganda
• Oscar Ankunda, Energy Specialist, Office of Economic Growth, USAID
• Jones Gwilym, Regional Climate Adviser, UK
• Kévin Correia, Focal Person, Energy Sector, AfDB

Partner:

Under Development …

Session Chair: Bernard Mbaine, CEO, UNREEEA

Discussants:

• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX

Partner: UNREEEA

Under Development …

Session Chair: Zainabu Kakunguru, Programme Officer- Capacity Development, FAO

Discussants:

• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX
• XXXX

Partner: FAO

In remote host communities, people often rely on harmful energy sources for their daily needs, such as charcoal, wood, kerosene, and diesel generators. Humanitarian organisations frequently overlook energy access, and when they do address it, there is a tendency to rely on low-quality freely distributed products. Access to energy is essential if we are to provide the most vulnerable populations with electricity, sustainable cooking technologies, clean water, and economic opportunities. The Sustainable Energy Response Plan (SERP) for Refugees and Host Communities complements the holistic approach of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and sets a precedent by integrating refugees into national energy planning, thereby emphasising the importance of energy access for an effective response within the Humanitarian, Development and Peace Nexus. This session will explore how to build energy markets that reach the bottom of the pyramid with life changing energy products and services, drawing from first-hand experiences in humanitarian and other last-mile contexts. The discussion will interest anyone keen to work in partnership to collectively ramp-up sustainable energy access in the hardest-to-reach communities. Discussions will also cover financing mechanisms for de-risking and incentivizing private sector supply value chains, and demand side subsidies.

Session Chair: Pauline Cyiza, Project Manager, Ayuda en Accion

Discussants:

• Ben Betele Adrama, Refugee Energy Projects Coordinator, GIZ
• Maria Ossola, Focal Point Support Access to Energy at AVSI Foundation
• Emmanuel Aziebor, Director for Enter Energy, Mercy Corps Global
• Anne Nyambane, Refugee Response and Sustainable Energy Specialist, FAO
• Gule Swaleh, Energy and Environment Officer, UNCHR

Partner: FAO

Households and institutions in Uganda, like in many sub-Saharan African countries, rely heavily on fuel wood and charcoal burned in traditional devices for cooking and heating. Burning these fuels causes pollution that can damage health and contribute to climate change. Moreover, when harvested unsustainably, wood fuel consumption causes forest degradation and other environmental damage. To reduce these impacts, the government of Uganda hopes to scale up cleaner cooking options like liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), electric appliances, ethanol and biogas. This session will bring together promoters and users of institutional clean cooking systems to share lessons learned, challenges encountered, benefits and opportunities so far identified.

Session Chair: Justine Akumu, Energy Officer, MEMD

Discussants:

• Barbara Nankya, Managing Director, Sanyu Babies Home
• Ruth Komuntale, Country Manager, ECOCA East Africa
• Jacob Etonganan, Energy Expert, SNV
• Sophie Martha Kalazi, Country Representative, Panda Cooker
• African Muhangi, Program Management Consultant, Care International in Uganda

Partner:

The use of subsidies by development finance institutions (DFIs) can often be controversial because of their ability to distort markets. It is vital to ensure that the subsidy is used efficiently, the level of subsidy is appropriate (provides value for money) and market distortion is minimized. It is instructive therefore to examine the practical approaches/frameworks that there are for effectively delivering subsidy to private sector entities for development purposes. This session will constitute of private sector actors discussing subsidies and their impacts on their businesses as well as their preferences in designing subsidies by DFIs.

Session Chair: Judith Nabimanya, Department of Investment for Sustainable Development, SEATINI Uganda

Discussants:

• Robinah Nanyunja, Chief Executive Officer, USEA
• Edwin Kwesiga, Country Representative, Burn Manufacturing
• Sarah Babirye, Project Coordinator, UNACC
• Isaac E. Tumusiime, Chairperson, EEAU
• Kisekka Charles, General Secretary, BEETA

Partner: USEA, UNACC

This closed-door discussion will bring together Heads of Foreign Missions to take stock of their support to Uganda’s energy transition as well as affirm their commitment going forward, sharing lessons learnt, challenges and remedy mechanisms established. As on output of the session, a position paper will be prepared and will be read and shared with the REC24 & Expo participants during the closing session of the event. The meeting will be attended by Ambassadors, Ministers, Permanent Secretary, Coordinators of Sustainable Energy Development Programme and Heads of Development Partner Organizations.

The discussions will Centre on the importance of donor organizations in the sustainable development of energy and as well as the need to ensure exchange of information between donors and the governments on the needs and opportunities for energy investments. The Meeting will discuss the framework for coordination with donors, international financial institutions and international organizations, a key ingredient to boosting aid effectiveness and developing capacities in Uganda.

Attendance by invite only

The Off-Grid Energy Working Group, operating under the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), serves as a central hub for the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and information related to off-grid energy solutions. It also monitors key regulatory and policy developments to ensure alignment with sector growth. This Steering Committee Meeting will review the progress of various undertaken and ongoing activities while addressing challenges encountered along the way. The session will bring together key actors in the off-grid energy sector, showcasing both government and sector support for the off-grid access agenda. It will also identify critical priorities and potential partnerships for the task force. Brief presentations will be made by the five subcommittees, which cover Productive Use of Energy, Mini-Grids, Bioenergy, and Finance and Fiscal Incentives. Representatives from the Embassies of Sweden, Denmark, and NEFCO, as well as partners like GIZ, USAID, MECS, KfW, will be in attendance. This session represents a collaborative effort to drive innovation and progress in the off-grid energy sector.

Session Chair: Alexander Akena, Institution Expert, Beyond the Grid Fund for Africa

Discussants:

Partner: NIRAS, BGFA

It is estimated that over 700 million people living in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are dependent on polluting biomass fuels (such as wood and charcoal) for household cooking. The limited access to clean cooking globally contributes to 3.7 million premature deaths annually, with women and children most at risk. Indeed, poor indoor air quality is a leading cause of premature death worldwide. For instance, in Africa, women and children account for 60% of early deaths related to smoke inhalation and indoor air pollution. In Uganda, the World Health Organization estimated that 23,000 people, mostly women and children lose lives annually. Dirty cooking options contribute to respiratory complications and cardiovascular diseases, hence death. Unfortunately, the correlation between the health complications and dirty cooking options remains least pronounced in developing countries. Although clean cooking options have largely been perceived to be costly, several households spend significant amounts of money treating health complications emanating from the use of dirty cooking options. This session will attract public health, clean cooking and policy experts to discuss avenues of promoting electric cooking options leveraging their health and long-term financial benefits.

Session Chair: Zahra Namuli, Journalist/ Comms Specialist, CLEAN-Air Programme

Keynote Speech: XXXX

Discussants:

• Un-Young Yong, Project Manager, EnDev-GIZ
• Prof. Engineer Bainomugisha, Founder, AirQo, Makerere University
• Dr. Samuel  Baker Kucel, Consultant, CIRCODU
• Ruth Kiwanuka, CEO, Joint Energy and Environment Projects
• Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Director/ PI, MUK Lung Institute/ UK-UGA CLEAN-Air Programme

Partner: UK Aid, MECS

Countries with relatively higher electricity generation and low clean cooking access rates are not making sufficient use of electricity for cooking purposes. For instance, Uganda has a long-standing history of maintaining a relatively high electricity generation level from renewable energy resources but continues to have lower usage of that electricity for cooking purposes. Uganda has made strides in setting electric cooking targets as part of its clean cooking energy mix for 2040 and 2050 in its Energy Transition Plan. Its plan, however, assumes a conservative approach to projecting the share of electric cooking in the energy mix. It anticipates that low-income households will have difficulties in affording electricity for cooking. The roadmap gives top priority to improved biomass cookstoves and LPG, assigning them the largest share in the clean cooking mix. This session will discuss appropriately electric cooking would be integrated in the country’s clean cooking targets.

Moderator: Ronald Ssejjuko, Project Manager, GGGI

Discussants:

• Eng. Herbert Abigaba, Principal Energy Officer, MEMD
• Dr. Denis Mugagga, Team Lead, Climate Change Financing Unit, MoFPED
• Dr. Joseph Muvawala, Executive Director, NPA
• Eng. Judith Nayiga Ssengendo, Director Technical Regulation, Electricity Regulatory Authority
• XXXX

Partner: UK Aid, MECS

The world continues to fall short in its efforts to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030, with disparities in clean cooking access rates persisting across different regions. The 2023 edition of the Tracking SDG 7 report reveals that, although the global population without access to clean cooking decreased from 2.9 billion in 2010 to 2.3 billion in 2021, the current trajectory suggests that 1.9 billion individuals will still lack access to clean cooking by 2030. Access to clean cooking is not only crucial for achieving the goal of universal energy access; it is also vital to livelihoods, as the use of inefficient and traditional cooking fuels is harmful to human health, the climate and the environment. Meeting the universal access goal for clean cooking by 2030 will require significant increases in financing, investment and policy support for clean cooking worldwide. Countries have defined strategies that encompass a mix of renewable and non-renewable solutions, depending on factors such as local conditions, resource availability, consumer preference and affordability. Within those strategies, renewable-based clean cooking solutions – including biogas, bioethanol, solid biomass and renewable-based electricity – are often given less attention in the policy and investment discourse compared to other clean cooking options, despite the benefits they offer over their fossil fuel-based counterparts. This session will discuss financing avenues for clean cooking interventions in Uganda.

Session Chair: Caroline Amollo, Director for Corporate Affairs, Burn Manufacturing Co.

Discussants:

• Tutembe Patrick, Principal Economist (Pricing), Electricity Regulatory Authority
• Victoria Butegwa, Project Manager, EnDev-GIZ
• Dr. Will Clements, MECS Research Lead for Uganda
• Kajura Francis, Programs and Partnerships Manager, PSFU
• Desmond Tutu Opio, Snr. Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, UECCC

Partner: UK Aid, MECS

There is a larger volume of standards for the more mature technologies and they are typically more in-depth. Involvement in the standards-making process is strongest when there are financial incentives, as illustrated by the case of standards for solar photovoltaics.  Furthermore, the inventory also shows that while certain aspects concerning post-installation of renewable energy equipment, such as operation, maintenance and repair, are included in some standards, there is still potential for their further development. Standards provide an important element in protecting consumers, particularly where they have little or no choice in what they are offered.  Many rural communities in developing countries do not have the luxury of being able to compare features and select their supplier or product from facilities such as the internet. In such cases, standards and quality assurance mechanisms can ensure that whatever product or service is available performs as specified, is reliable, durable and safe. This session will bring together standards makers and enforcers to discuss how the market can be safeguarded from counterfeits by upholding the set product and service standards and quality.

Session Chair: Carine Buma, Project Manager, ICLEI Africa

Discussants:

• Richard Ebong, Manager of Legal Metrology, UNBS
• James Baanabe, Former Director, MEMD & Energy Consultant
• Agnes Naluwagga, Regional Testing and Knowledge Center Coordinator, CREEC
• Lafelle Chu, Country Director, UpEnergy
• Dr. Emmy Wasirwa, General Secretary, USEA & CEO, WANA Solutions Ltd.

Partner: UK Aid, MECS

To incentivize the provision of energy services, create, expand market, or stimulate innovation, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and her partners have been promoting Result based financing (RBF) incentives, a form of payment by Results approach. RBF have been tagged to new electricity connections, clean cooking and productive use of energy services. Across the country, the share of funding disbursed upfront and on delivery has varied based on context, design of verification actors and perceived or real risk appropriate. Given such variations in the implementation, the RBF market approach have recorded varying results and lessons. This session, therefore, will share experiences and lessons on RBF incentives in Uganda and ways of addressing encountered bottlenecks in the market.

Session Chair: Tony Joshua Mwesigwa, Economist, MEMD

Discussants:

• Peace Kansiime, Project Manager,  SNV
• Virginia Sssemakula, Energy Manager, Equity Bank
• Helen Kyomugisha, Project Manager, GIZ-EnDev
• Mwaka Agoba, Program Manager RBF and Clean Cooking, UECCC
• XXXX

Partner: UECCC

The EASP was developed with the objective of increasing access to energy for households, commercial enterprises and public institutions. Financial Inter-mediation component of the project provides credit support instruments for end user financing, working capital facilities, result based grants, capacity building, electrification of public schools and hospitals, productive use of energy, among others. This session will constitute a panel of key actors in the EASP to share progress, testimonies and forthcoming intervention of the project.

Session Chair: John Brian Menya, EASP Marketing Specialist, UECCC

Keynote Speech: Roy Baguma, Director, Transaction Execution, UECCC

Discussants:

• Elizabeth Mwerinde Kasedde, Executive Director, Equity Bank
• Felix Okurut, Ass. Commissioner, M&E, MEMD
• Douglas Baguma, Board Chairperson, USEA
• Samuel Ocanya, Project Manager EASP, UECCC
• Winnie Grace Onziru, Senior Standards Officer, UNBS

Partner:

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

Access to clean energy remains one of the biggest challenges to Uganda’s energy transition. Majority of Ugandans still use traditional biomass for cooking and assert that clean cooking technologies are beyond their affordability scale. Carbon finance is an important source of funding for clean cooking companies in recent years, and it is expected continue with the growth of voluntary markets, national carbon markets and credits sales related to the Paris Agreement Article 6. This session will constitute of panelists from the climate finance unit, climate change department, UNFCCC and renewable energy department to discuss clean energy markets and access through carbon financing in Uganda to drive actions to improve the integrity of carbon credits, transparency of information, fairness in revenue sharing throughout the value chain and long-term sustainability of local clean energy markets, including enabling greater participation of clean cooking companies in carbon markets.

Session Chair: Essien Joel, Energy Consultant

Panelists:

• Bob Natifu, Ass. Commissioner, Climate Change Department, MWE
• Aaron Werikhe, Climate Change Financing Unit, MoFPED
• Julius Atulinde, Climate Finance Expert, UNFCCC
• Eng. Ivan Karau Kisembo, Head Project Preparation, Uganda Development Bank
• Ritah Rukundo, Manager – Global Carbon Market project Uganda and Eastern Africa, GIZ

Partner: UECCC

Coming up with one magic bullet that pulls in the most patient capital of energy developers and investors may not be possible.  First, not all energy developers and investors are created equal.  Pension funds, insurance companies, reinsurers, state development banks, insurance funds and sovereign wealth funds all have different mandates and different return expectations for their investments.  Their governance structures and their investment cultures vary as does the applicability of financial regulations.  Even within the smaller universe of pension and super-annuation funds, we see stark differences among them—from risk appetite and portfolio diversification targets, to the in-house (or not) ability to do risk assessments of individual investments. Despite the increasing appeal of green finance as a concept, the delivery of an empirical evidence base that illustrates the effectiveness of projects aligned with climate action and sustainable development—both in terms of measurable performance and value for money—has been less forthcoming. Concurrently, there have been numerous claims of the potential of ‘unlocking’ the trillions of dollars of private finance that is available for investment. This session will have the financial institutions and private sector representatives interfacing to discuss ways of addressing the existing financing gaps in the energy sector.

Session Chair: Perez Magoola, Energy Adviser, Open Capital

Discussants:

• James Otto, Senior Investment Manager Infrastructure, Uganda Development Bank
• Matinda Waringa, CEO, Village Energy
• Joshua Mawerere, Chairperson, KACITA Youth League
• Kenneth Nkumiro, Enabling Environment Advisor, Chemonics
• Laura Corcoran, Chief Business Development Officer, Aptech

Partner: UECCC

08:30 – 10:30

Biodigester market development: what is missing?

Translating the theoretical potential of biogas into a practical pipeline of projects on the ground comes with several challenges. From an entrepreneurial perspective, reaching the necessary scale needed to make a business case can sometimes be difficult. The challenges related to scale stem from seasonal variations in feedstock availability, resulting in insufficient raw materials to meet the required biogas production levels. In Uganda, for instance, the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle results in a decrease in overall feedstock availability. Technology costs can also pose a challenge. The installation cost of a biodigester can vary significantly based on factors such as the type of biodigester, manufacturing materials, labour and logistical considerations. Higher-end costs associated with logistics, for example, often place a heavier burden on rural and isolated areas compared with urban areas. This session will bring together seasoned planners, developers and promoters of biogas technologies to discuss ways for developing the biogas market in Uganda and beyond.

Session Chair: Dr. Miria Agunyo, Project Manager, NAMA Biogas

Discussants:

• Lucy Shillingi, Founder, Ndundu Investment Ltd
• Michel Mivule, Executive Director, Biogas Solutions Uganda
• Eng. James Maiteki, Manager Sewerage Services, NWSC
• Esther Nyanzi, Project Manager, ABC Project, SNV
• Micheal Ahimbisibwe, Ag. Principal Energy Officer Bio-Energy, MEMD

Partner:

10:30 – 13:00

Renewable Energy Generation: Successes of the GET-FiT Project

Team Europe Session

The European Union and its Member States are global leaders in the transition towards clean energy, as part of the EU’s global commitments in the fight against climate change. The EU Green Deal – the EU’s policy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 – sets out the road map, strategy and financial resources allocated to deliver on these ambitions. It includes the promotion of renewable energy resources, energy efficiency and energy conservation measures, and research and innovation across sectors. But it also aims at supporting partner countries – such as Uganda – in their efforts to reach the targets set by the Paris Agreement. As part of this year’s Renewable Energy Conference, this session organised by Team Europe in Uganda aims at highlighting successes of the Global Energy Transfer Feed-in Tariff (GET-FiT) Project in Uganda’s energy sector, and discussing challenges and opportunities for the energy transition with key public and private sector players.

Session Chair:

Discussants:

Partner: EU, kfw, GIZ

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00- 15:30

Development Agenda: Research for policy, industry and social transformation

Research is a critical foundation for programs that seek to engage communities in change and in the development of more sustainable societies. Without appropriate research, programs aimed at change are likely to be based on implicit or assumed problem identification and/or inferred community needs and wishes. If we are to achieve community participation in activities that lead to real change, research to find out about those communities is the first step. This session will make a case on why science, technology, and innovation are important for the clean energy transition. Academicians will demonstrate how they have used scientific analysis to understand the impacts of energy systems and climate change on community livelihoods. The session will also focus on how to develop a scientific hub for energy research and to assess how academic institutions were successful in developing partnerships in energy research, and what is needed to harmonize efforts to advance collaboration in implementing research findings.

Session Chair: Judith Nakirijja, Lecturer, Makerere University Business School

Discussants:

• Dr. Maxwell Otim Onapa, Board Member, UNCST
• Dr. Abraham Muhanguzi, Manager Science Planning, National Planning Authority
• Dr. Sara Namirembe, Executive Director, STEPUP Standard Limited
• Prof. Vincent Bagire, DEAN, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, MUBS
• Prof. Elizabeth Balyejusa Kizito, Director, Directorate of Research Partnerships & Innovation, UCU

Partner: NREP, MUBS

15:30 – 17:00

Green hydrogen production and its economic impacts for East Africa

Green hydrogen has potential applications across several important sectors in East Africa, including industry, transport, and power. Green hydrogen is a versatile feedstock in the chemical industry, specifically for the production of ammonia (used in nitrogen fertilizers) and methanol. Additionally, hydrogen can play a role in decarbonizing the road transport sector, and its derivatives can decarbonize shipping (via ammonia or methanol) and aviation (via sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)). Furthermore, hydrogen offers a means of energy storage and can provide baseload power in the electricity sector. However, to accelerate the establishment of a green hydrogen industry in the region, it is crucial to prioritise those specific applications of hydrogen that not only yield significant advantages for the region but also align with its overarching developmental objectives and broader development goals. Concurrently, these applications should demonstrate the highest potential for short-term commercial viability. This session will attract key actor in the green hydrogen value chain to discuss the potential socio-economic impacts of green hydrogen production in the East African region.

Session Chair: Sana Musanje, Innovation Specialist, UNFCCC

Discussants:  

• Charnelle Fortuin-Ndlovu, Business Developer, HDF Energy
• Aleem Karmali, Head of Infrastructure, Industrial Promotion Services (IPS)
• Francois-Xavier Dubois, Vice President Eastern Africa, Siemens Energy Ltd
• Prof. Wilson Musinguzi Babu, Lecturer, Mountains of the Moon University
• Arnab Das, Market Strategist, Global Gases Group

Partner: MEMD

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

Under development …

Session Chair: Yonah Turinayo, Coordinator – Energy, Climate and Extractives Programme, WWF International

Discussants:

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Partner: WWF

Local content, which is the expression and communication of a community’s locally owned and adapted knowledge and experience that is relevant to the community’s situation. Indigenous knowledge systems are not only the knowledge and practices of culture, custom, agriculture, medicine, bio-diversity, ethno-numeracy, customary law, and so on, but also the rationality of these cultural practices and rites that effects social cohesion, creativity and artistry of dance and music, technologies of fashioning clothing and beadwork. Indigenous knowledge, for instance, helps communities cope with periodic food shortages by utilizing the traditional know-how of preserving food, thus revitalizing agriculture and increasing food security. Indigenous people can provide valuable input in the local environment for the efficient use and management of local resources. In promoting clean energy technologies, it is paramount to be cognizant of the indigenous knowledge and embracement of local content. This session will discuss indigenous clean cooking methods, energy related local content and how to optimally utilize then in the energy mix and transition.

Session Chair: Flavia Ajambo, Public Relations Officer, CREEC

Discussants:

• Dr. Johm Mutenyo, Lecturer, Makerere University
• Patrick Sempala, Ebenezer Energy Saving Stoves Limited
• Paul Kimera, Managing Director, Technology for Tomorrow
• Dr. Grace Nambatya Kyeyune, Executive Director, National Chemotherapeutics Research Institute, MoH
• Dr. William S. Kisaalita, Founder, Thermogenn & Lecturer, UCU

Partner: NREP, CREEC

There is a new kid on the block when it comes to options available to countries and utilities for putting together climate action plans, and it is smart grid. Load balance management ensures that the electricity demand matches the available supply at all times. In a smart grid, load balance management becomes more sophisticated due to the real-time data provided by smart meters and sensors. While smart grids and load balance management offer numerous benefits, challenges such as cyber security, interoperability, and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed. The ongoing development of technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning holds the potential to further enhance the capabilities of smart grids. The implementation of smart grids and effective load balance management is pivotal for creating a resilient, sustainable, and efficient electricity distribution system. As technology continues to advance, the ongoing collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers will be crucial in addressing challenges and unlocking the full potential of smart grid solutions. This session will focus directly on how demand response (DR), distributed energy resource (DER), and other smart grid options can play a role in advancing energy access and reliability in Uganda and East African region at large.

Session Chair:  Edwina Ahamize, Senior GIS Officer, MEMD

Discussants:

• Mark Shibuka, Senior GIS Officer, UEDCL
• Richard Muhangi, Principal Surveyor and Head GIS Unit , MEMD
• Allan Kamba, Head of Network Plant and Systems, Umeme
• Alex Wanume, Country Director, NOA Uganda
• Eng. Arinda Rachel, Head Grid, UETCL

Partner: MEMD, NREP

The most important attribute underpinning efficient markets and development is high-quality, timely, and trustworthy data. It could be economic data such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth, inflation, exchange rates, or a country’s account balance; capital markets data such as bank lending rates, trading volumes, and options prices; industry data such as market sizes and growth rates for various sectors; and firm data such as financial statements, company registrations, background checks, and ownership records. Access to this data, when it exists, is standardized, and is publicly available, helps investors make sound decisions. Public- and private-sector institutions in Uganda have had challenges gathering, aggregating, standardizing, and disseminating this kind of data. The vast majority of economic activities across country are informal, making it difficult to understand and measure. In addition, Uganda’s immature public capital markets face structural problems including inadequate regulatory disclosures, low trading volumes, a lack of liquidity, and a small number of listings that restrict the production of information. Whereas public exchanges at least require minimum levels of information disclosure, private markets, where most of the investable opportunities are, have no such standard. Beyond the surface, data aggregation holds a wealth of untapped potential. This session will constitute of experts in data management discussing opportunities and mechanisms of appropriately aggregating data in Uganda’s energy sector.

Session Chair:  Achieng Jacinta, Chemist, Geothermal Department, MEMD

Discussants:

• Dr. Gerald Banaga-Baingi, Ass.Commissioner Technical Planning, MEMD
• Eng. Olaro Oscar, Senior Planner-Industry & Technology, NPA
• Dr. Suzan Mary Abbo, Executive Director, CREEC
• Henry Obwoya, Digital Finance Expert
• Andrew Wilobo, Program Partner Digital Economy, Mastercard Foundation

Partner: MEMD, CREEC, NREP

Digitalization, an emerging trend reshaping the energy sector, paves the way for sustained enhancements in energy efficiency. In this context, policy development can consider the multifaceted aspects of digitalization to ensure a net benefit to the entire energy system and its stakeholders. Digitalisation has an impact right across the energy value chain, from generation to transport, distribution, supply and consumption. A system-wide approach, it promotes cooperation between digital and energy stakeholders needed for digitalisation of energy to better contribute to the national priorities. As the transformation from analog to digital continues, digital technologies will make energy systems more connected, intelligent, efficient, reliable and sustainable in the coming decades. Technologies that can improve the way we use energy and help find solutions to decarbonising our energy systems include information and communication technologies (ICT), modern sensors, big data and artificial intelligence, and the internet of things. Ensuring that the ICT sector is efficient and environmentally friendly in its operation and energy consumption is also important. In addition, the development of digital solutions needs an infrastructure fit for the future, with common standards, gigabit networks and secure clouds of both current and next generations. Such infrastructure will allow consumers to engage in the energy transition in a new way, benefitting from better services based on digital innovations, more efficient energy use and energy savings. This session will attract experts from the ICT sector, energy sector and policymakers to deliberate on Uganda’s readiness for a digitalized energy system.

Session Chair:  Loyola Karobwa Rwabose, Mining Lawyer, MEMD

Discussants:

• Eng. Emmanuel Sande Nsubuga, Sustainable Energy Systems Engineer, MEMD
• Tibyakinura Protaze, Chief Engineering and Technical Services Officer, UEDCL
• Musa Mukulu, Manager Research and Business Development, UEGCL
• Robbert Hoeboer, Head GIS Energy Resource Development, MEMD
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Partner: MEMD

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

On average, Uganda emits 4.9 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. Combined, the transport and agriculture sectors represented 62% of national emissions in 2000 and are projected to represent 70% by 2030 under a ‘business as usual’ scenario. The transport sector is particularly vulnerable to potential disruptive events caused by climate change. Transport energy is a vast and costly consumer of energy, carbon emitter, and fatal polluter in the global south. But a boom is underway in startups offering electric vehicles that cost less to buy and operate. This session will discuss solutions, the carbon savings of transport electrification, and the policy and financing instruments required to make it happen.

Session Chair: XXXX

Panelists:

• Allan Omuron, Specialties Manager, TotalEnergies
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Partner: FCDO, UK

Under Development …

Session Chair:  David Bikhado Ofungi, Founder, The Mkutano Company

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

08:30 – 10:30

Energy at the Interface of Tourism Promotion

Energy tourism belongs to the not-so-well-known fields of tourism. Energy tourism is a novel field of tourism that will likely grow in the future. Relationships between tourism development, energy demand and growth factors are widely investigated and monitored in developed and developing countries. Being a part of the industrial tourism or a special interest tourism, this type of tourism includes visits to the energy facilities and locations such as factories, mines, power stations and renewable energy sites. It is important to describe the niche of energy tourism within the tourism market and assess its potential. Sometimes, energy tourism might interfere with dark tourism, for example, in the case of the tourist visits to the site of the Chernobyl nuclear power station. In addition, this type of tourism is closely correlated with the public and social acceptance of traditional and renewable energy facilities. Therefore, this might be a promising and emerging type of tourism that will likely grow due to the ongoing industrialization and expenditure of energy-generating facilities envisaged for meeting the growing demand for energy all around the world. This session will bring together tourism and energy experts to discuss synergy avenues and collaborations to promote Uganda and the region.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

• Amos Wekesa, Managing Director, Great Lakes Safaris Limited
• Dr. Patricia Litho, Assistant Commissioner of Communications & PR, MEMD
• Lilly Ajarova, Chief Executive Officer, Uganda Tourism Board (UTB)
• Peter Muliisa, Chief Legal and Corporate Officer, UNOC
• Ali Ssekatawa, Director Legal and Corporate Affairs, PAU

Partner: MEMD, UTB

10:30 – 13:00

Championing clean energy access through cultural institutions

The Traditional Cultural Leaders Act of 2011 stipulates the role of cultural institutions in transforming the livelihoods of their communities. Cultural institutions have strong influence on the choices of its loyal subjects on how they perceive things. They are strategic institutions to work with in order to achieve the mission of ensuring reliable, adequate, and sustainable exploitation, management, and utilization of Uganda’s energy and mineral resources. This session will bring together representatives of cultural institutions to discuss avenues of collaboration with the central government, planned and ongoing clean energy initiatives at the kingdom/chiefdom level, as well as opportunities for fostering clean energy diffusion.

Session Chair: Gina Nabeta, Cluster Portfolio Advisor, GIZ

Discussants:

• Teddy Nabakooza Galiwango, Environment Board Member, Buganda Kingdom
• Robert Byaruhanga, Oil & Gas Manager, Bunyoro Kingdom
• James Bond Kunobere, Environment Minister, Buruuli Kingdom
• Andrew Kawanguzi, CEO Kyabazinga Initiatives Limited,Busoga Kingdom
• Collins Muttu Atiko, Secretary General, Acholi Kingdom

Partner:  MEMD, NREP

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00 – 15:30

Tapping into the Religious Voices in the Clean Energy Deployment Discourse

Religion influences many people’s world views, lifestyles and engagement, making it a powerful force for individual and collective change. Religion plays an integral part in all societies and is the most important source of values for many people. Any development policy that respects people as individuals must also respect their individual world views. For most people, this world view is fundamentally shaped by their religion. Religious values and beliefs influence many attitudes relating to the environment, suggesting that they are also likely to shape preferences over energy systems and policies. Religion can offer its prophetic voice in order to promote environmental flourishing and counter environmentally harmful actions and social developments. Speaking forth clean energy adoption by the religious leaders energizes behavioural change and choices towards positive change. This session will bring together religious leaders of the different faiths to discuss opportunities and experiences of promoting and being ambassadors for clean energy as well as working closely with the central government in promoting clean energy.

Session Chair: Dr. Nicholas Mukisa, Deputy National Coordinator, NREP

Discussants:

• Rev. Emmanuel Kalagala, Vicar, Church of the Resurrection Bugologi, Church of Uganda
• Peter R. Kakuru, Pastor, Watoto Church
• Immam Kasozi, Imam, Munyonyo Mosque
• Dr. Kaiso Flugencio, Manager Climate Change, Energy and Environmental Stewardship, Inter Religious Council of Uganda
• Martin Ssempa,  Founder and Pastor, Makerere Community Church

Partner: MEMD, NREP

15:30 – 17:00

Closing Ceremony 

Under Development …

Session Chair:  Dr. Brian E. Isabirye, Commissioner Renewable Energy Department, MEMD

Partner: MEMD

08:30 – 10:00

Achieving universal access through Off-grid systems

With remote and rural areas lagging behind and progressing slowly in energy access, the world is currently not on-track to achieve universal energy access by 2030. While grid expansion has been essential to shrinking the electricity access gap to less than 700 million people by 2023, the remaining unconnected are increasingly difficult to reach as they are predominantly rural, remote, poor, and living in contexts suffering from fragility, conflict, or violence (FCV). For communities in rural Africa to thrive, energy services must be affordable and reliable. But this is not enough, energy services must be built around productive uses of energy (PUE) from the start. PUE activities are crucial to boosting demand for off-grid energy systems, while generating valuable income for remote communities and ultimately reducing poverty. Off-grid renewable energy solutions – including stand-alone systems and mini-grids – will play a crucial role in achieving universal access to modern energy in a timely and sustainable manner. To accelerate the pace of off-grid renewable energy deployment, many different pre-conditions must be met. Furthermore, the potential of mini-grids to drive economic development and improve livelihoods can be fully realized when gender considerations are integrated. This session will explore the lessons leaned thus far from each of these approaches and share recommendations for future implementation of PUE measures in mini-grid projects by both private and public sector actors. This session will constitute of a panel of experts in off-grid systems discussing opportunities and experiences of electrifying rural communities.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

Partner: EU, kfw, GIZ

10:30 – 13:00

Innovative Financing for Mini-grids

Innovative financing mechanisms are necessary to scale mini-grids development in Uganda. Which barriers are leading to money not being invested in mini-grids. Public and concessional financing is being channeled to mainly grid and solar home systems projects, but mini-grid funding is scanty. What barriers are being faced by mini-grid investors, donors and the government, preventing them from investing in mini-grids development in Uganda. What strategies are needed to unlock the high potential of funding that mini-grids can attract in Uganda.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

Partner: EU, kfw, GIZ

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00 – 15:30

Enhancing Frameworks through Government

This session will focus on strengthening government partnerships and capacity building for sustainable mini-grid development in Uganda. This session will explore the developments in Uganda’s mini-grids policy and regulatory framework and how these have enabled or suppressed mini-grid development in Uganda.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

Partner: EU, kfw, GIZ

15:30 – 17:00

Viable Business Models

The sustainability and scalability of mini-grids largely depends on viable business models. This panel session seeks to explore various business models implemented in Uganda. Lessons learned by the developers on the viability of these models can provide information to public sector and the donors on how to design mini-grid support programmes. Key factors of viability could include ownership structures, financing models, service delivery approaches, PUE, location of the site, community engagement, and regulatory support among others.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

Partner: EU, kfw, GIZ

08:30 – 10:30

Prioritizing E-waste Management in the Face of Energy Transition

The growing emphasis on sustainable energy development, the production of electronic components, devices, and renewable energy technologies needed to produce sustainable energy has also increased. While these advancements offer numerous benefits for economic growth and environmental protection, they also pose a significant challenge in terms of electronic waste (e-waste) generation. These e-waste items often contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. When not appropriately managed, e-waste can lead to environmental contamination and health hazards for nearby communities. Thus, effective e-waste management and recycling would be a game changer to ensure sustainability in line with Global Development Initiatives (GDI) goals. Governments are implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP) programmes, making manufacturers accountable for collecting and recycling their products after the end of their life cycle. This encourages manufacturers to design products with recycling in mind, leading to more eco-friendly vehicles and electronic devices. This session will attract experts in e-waste management, manufacturers and policymakers to discuss Uganda’s strategies for managing e-waste.

Session Chair: Brian Kawuma, Country Rep., Power for All

Discussants:

• Ronald Kaggwa, National Planning Authority
• Marsida Rada, Project Manager, GIZ/ENDEV
•  Sandra Nakiziyivu, E-Waster Project Manager, Mercy Corps
• Ezra Muhumuza Rubanda, Executive Director, Uganda Manufacturers Association
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Partner: MEMD, GIZ

10:30 – 13:00

Unlocking Africa’s wind energy potential

The potential of wind energy holds significant promise in addressing the escalating energy needs of several African countries. Harnessing the power of the wind presents a viable and sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources, offering a pathway towards energy security and independence. Moreover, wind energy aligns harmoniously with the global imperative to mitigate climate change and reduce carbon emissions, making it a compelling choice for nations striving to balance economic development with environmental preservation. Recognizing the pivotal role that wind energy can play in shaping the future of Africa’s energy sector, stakeholders are increasingly embracing initiatives aimed at its promotion and adoption. This session seeks to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in the transition towards renewable energy in Africa, with a specific focus on wind energy. The session will bring together policymakers, industry experts, academics, and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of fostering dialogue, share best practices, and catalyze actionable strategies that will accelerate the deployment of wind energy infrastructure in Uganda and the region at large.

Session Chair: XXXX

Discussants:

Partner: MEMD, GWEC

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00 – 15:30

EAC Cross-border Employment: Women and Youth Involvement

The East African Community (EAC) is an inter-governmental regional bloc comprising of eight Partner States. These include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The region is home to over 330 million individuals of which more than 60% are women and 80% are young people below the age of 35 years. The Community is highly endowed with vast renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass among others. Despite the enormous potential, the partner states still have some shared challenges in their pursuit of the access to clean and modern energy. These bottlenecks include heavy reliance on biomass for cooking, low access to high quality electricity, high reliance on fossil fuels for the transport sector, limited access to modern energy in displacements settings among others. In these challenges exist enormous opportunities for the population to develop innovative solutions to address these bottle necks. Women and youth, despite constituting majority of the EAC population are still marginalised in the decision-making processes and have limited access to finance to be part of the solution to a just energy transition in the EAC. This session will explore the opportunities that exist in energy transition journey of the EAC and how the Youth and Women can fully participate.

Session Chair: Collins Owuor, Renewable Energy Expert, EACREEE

Keynote speaker: Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, Minister of East African Affairs

Discussants:

Partner: EACREEE

15:30 – 17:00

Regional Policy Harmonization Policy and Regulatory Environment for Accelerated Energy Transition

The East African Community (EAC) is an inter-governmental regional bloc comprising of eight Partner States. These include Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. The Community is highly endowed with vast renewable energy resources including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal and biomass among others. Despite the enorm4ous potential, the partner states still have some shared challenges in their pursuit of the access to clean and modern energy. These bottlenecks include heavy reliance on biomass for cooking, low access to high quality electricity, high reliance on fossil fuels for the transport sector, limited access to modern energy in displacements settings among others. There are several ongoing initiatives by the governments, development partners, private sector and civil societies to address these challenges and ensure a just energy transition in the region. In spite of all these initiatives, the countries remain at different levels in terms of access to modern and clean energy technologies, policy and regulatory framework. This session will explore the role regional harmonisation of policies and regulations can play in accelerating energy transition in the EAC.

Session Chair: Yunus Alokore, Technical Expert, EACREEE

Discussants:

• Joyce Nkuyahaga, Offgrid Advisor, Power Africa’s Empowering East and Central Africa (EECA)
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Partner: EACREEE

08:30 – 13:00

Access to Finance in the Clean Cooking Sector

Under Development …

Session Chair:  Essien Joel, Energy Consultant

Panelists:

Partner: GIZ-EnDev

Energy Enterpise Coach

13:00- 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area

14:00 – 15:30

Energy Business Models: What Works and What Doesn’t

Access to clean energy produces greater levels of economic value and increases the quality of life in emerging markets across the globe. Emerging economies have surpassed developed nations in clean energy investment and deployment, but there is limited understanding of the factors that most affect the success of these businesses. The goal of this session is to identify these success factors, and use them to inform entrepreneurs’ strategic decision-making as well as elucidate the environments in which these ventures have a higher probability of success. By better understanding what drives success in the renewable energy industry, both entrepreneurs and key stakeholders such as policy makers, investors, and interested non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can better prioritize their efforts and investments to drive increased levels of clean energy adoption. The session will bring together distinguished investors, policy makers and partners to discuss the business models commonly adopted in Uganda.

Session Chair: Aidah Ssemakula, Director Consulting, Belli Advisory

Discussants:

• Hack Stiernblad, Director of Business Development, SunCulture
• Namutebi Hanifah, CEO, BM Energy
• Paul Kamoga, COO, AptechAfrica
• Sarah Basemera, Team Lead & Founder, Raising Gabdho Foundation Ltd
• Praviin Kekal, Managing Director, Bukona Agro-processors Ltd

Partner: USEA, UNACC

15:30 – 17:00

08:30 – 10:30

Solar Electric Cooking in Displacement Settings

In Africa, clean cooking is a critical challenge for displaced populations and their host communities. The potential of solar-powered electric cooking offers a sustainable pathway forward. The Solar-Electric Cooking Partnership (SOLCO) is committed to enabling access to affordable and clean e-cooking solutions in humanitarian contexts globally. Traditional cooking fuels like charcoal and firewood, which have become increasingly costly and environmentally damaging, contrast sharply with the decreasing costs of solar panels and batteries, making solar electric cooking a viable alternative. High integrity carbon credits, enabled by digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) technologies, allow households to generate significant income from their transition. As solar electric cooking systems address not only cooking but also charging and lighting needs, they are highly valued by households compared to other solutions. Recognizing their transformative impact, SOLCO aims to expand the use of solar-electric cooking technologies across multiple African countries.

SOLCO is a multi-stakeholder partnership working to increase access to clean and sustainable cooking solutions for displaced and host community households throughout Africa. It operates under the umbrella of the Global eCooking Coalition (GeCCo), a collaborative initiative led by the Modern Energy Cooking Services Programme (MECS), Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP). Solar-electric cooking not only reduces household air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but also addresses issues like gender-based violence and deforestation while fostering economic development. Over the past 15 years, the cost of solar e-cooking technologies has reduced by approximately 75%, making it an increasingly affordable and sustainable solution to achieve these objectives while also creating local employment opportunities.

 The SOLCO side event will bring together a coalition of partners, including government bodies, UN agencies, private sector companies, civil society organizations, and refugee-led organizations, all collaborating to promote the uptake of affordable solar-electric cooking solutions in humanitarian settings. In Uganda, SOLCO is spearheaded by Mercy Corps with the support of partners such as the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), UNEP, GPA, GeCCo, IKEA Foundation, Last Mile Climate, as well as over 20 private sector companies, refugee-led organizations, and financial institutions. SOLCO Uganda aims to enable at least 150,000 households in refugee-hosting districts to access solar electric cooking by 2027 and welcomes additional partners to join and support this mission.

Session Chair: Purity Kendi Gituma, Energy Access Technical Advisor, Mercy Corps

Discussants:

Partner: SOLCO, Mercy Corps

10:30 – 13:00

Electric Cooking Data Management and Dissemination

Under Development …

Session Chair: XXXXX 

Discussants:

Partner: SOLCO, MECS

13:00 – 14:00        

Lunch Break

Restaurant & Exhibition Area