The Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) officially launched the Off-Grid Results-Based Financing (RBF) Program today, marking a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to enhance energy access for its citizens.
The launch ceremony, held at the district Ssaza grounds in Kiboga, brought together energy sector officials, local leaders, and representatives from across the country. During the event, several energy service companies, including Total Energies, Shell, Stabex, Safegas, Save Tree, and Green Energy, exhibited their clean energy solutions, showcasing the products that will benefit from the subsidies under the program.
The Off-Grid RBF Program, which is part of the broader Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP), seeks to reduce the financial barriers to adopting clean energy technologies by offering substantial price reductions for off-grid solar systems, clean cooking solutions, and productive energy use equipment.
The program offers subsidies ranging from 30% to 60% on these technologies, providing an opportunity for Ugandans, particularly those in rural areas and refugee settlements, to access affordable, sustainable energy solutions. These initiatives come at a crucial time as the country works towards expanding energy access and reducing its reliance on traditional, polluting fuels like kerosene and charcoal.
Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, officiated at the launch. In her remarks, she highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to improving energy access across the country. “This program is a testament to our continued efforts to ensure that all Ugandans, regardless of their location or income, have access to affordable and sustainable energy.
Through our collaboration with the World Bank and other stakeholders, we are bringing affordable, clean energy solutions to the people who need them the most,” Hon. Nankabirwa stated. She further emphasized the government’s dedication to supporting both households and businesses with the tools they need to transition to cleaner energy sources, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic growth.
“The RBF program is a key initiative under our broader energy access agenda, which seeks to increase electricity access to 60% by 2030. We must move towards renewable energy solutions to meet the growing demand for energy while reducing carbon emissions. This program will empower Ugandans to embrace clean energy technologies,” she added.
Mr. Roy Baguma Nyamutale, the CEO of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company, spoke about the importance of the program in reaching the most underserved communities. “The RBF Program will directly benefit households and businesses in off-grid areas, providing them with affordable access to renewable energy solutions. The program is designed to eliminate financial barriers and create a sustainable energy future for Uganda. Through this initiative, we are working towards universal energy access, one of the country’s most pressing goals,” said Mr. Roy.
Mr. Baguma explained that the subsidies offered through the program would not only reduce energy costs for households but also improve the economic prospects of small businesses. “By making energy more affordable, we’re enabling businesses to thrive, increase productivity, and create jobs, especially in rural areas. This program is about transforming lives and livelihoods,” he concluded.
The RBF program targets several critical areas in Uganda’s energy landscape. It provides significant subsidies for off-grid solar systems, which are crucial for rural households that currently lack reliable access to electricity. With the subsidies, these households can afford solar-powered lighting, phone charging systems, and other essential services that would otherwise be out of reach.
The program also focuses on clean cooking solutions, aiming to reduce reliance on wood and charcoal by promoting more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly cooking technologies, such as improved biomass cookstoves, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) packages, and electric cooking devices. Additionally, the program supports the productive use of energy, providing businesses with the tools they need to grow through energy-powered technologies, such as water pumps, refrigeration units, and grain mills.
Beneficiaries of the program include all Ugandans with a valid National ID or National Identification Number (NIN) and refugees with a valid Refugee ID. The program’s guidelines allow eligible individuals to access one product per category every two years. As of November 1, 2024, the program has been operational, and will continue until June 30, 2027.
To access the subsidized products, Ugandans are encouraged to visit outlets of pre-qualified energy service companies, which can be found on the official UECCC website. The list of companies, which includes leading industry players, offers a wide range of products that are available at discounted prices under the program.
The UECCC’s new RBF initiative is expected to have a transformative impact, especially in off-grid areas where access to electricity remains a significant challenge. By reducing the cost of clean energy technologies, the program will help millions of Ugandans, particularly in rural and refugee areas, to improve their living standards, access reliable energy, and engage in sustainable economic activities. The program also aligns with Uganda’s long-term energy goals and its commitment to addressing climate change by promoting renewable energy solutions and reducing dependence on polluting fuels.
Through this initiative, the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company is not only contributing to the achievement of the country’s energy access targets but also supporting the wider vision of creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for all Ugandans. As more Ugandans adopt clean energy solutions, the program will play a key role in ensuring that the country’s energy sector continues to develop in a way that is both economically and environmentally responsible. The initiative reflects the government’s belief that energy access is a critical driver of economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
