The Managing Director Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), Roy Nyamuntale Baguma, has emphasised the critical role of renewable energy and clean cooking technologies in driving Uganda’s sustainable development and economic growth.
Speaking during Spotlight Uganda hosted by NBS Television on Monday under the theme “Powering Uganda's Growth: Access, Reliability and Expansion,” Baguma highlighted the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and the government’s commitment to accelerating access to modern energy services across the country.
“We are a government company that pools resources towards renewable energy and modern energy services for Ugandans.
We have a very overwhelming demand for off-grid solar, especially in rural areas, and a significant demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) under clean cooking, particularly in urban centers,” he said.
Baguma noted that UECCC is working to create and sustain markets for energy service companies while reducing investment risks through innovative end-user subsidies and incentives for long-term service delivery.
“We don’t want energy service companies to run away from their customers. We provide an incentive to companies that have stayed in an area for more than a year. By using targeted subsidies, we are not only breaking ground but also entering new markets,” said Baguma.
With over 70% of Uganda’s population engaged in agriculture, Baguma pointed out the vast potential for solar-powered irrigation, water pumping, and solar drying technologies to enhance productivity and food security. These, he said, present emerging opportunities for energy companies seeking to expand their operations and impact.
Currently, Uganda has an estimated four million households using solar energy, but Baguma cautioned that the limited number of service providers—around 20 companies—poses challenges in providing adequate maintenance and technical support to users.
“We believe the solar user base is going to be much larger, so it’s important that we take customer experience seriously,” he said.
Turning to clean cooking, Baguma underscored the need for more public awareness and demonstrations to shift perceptions about modern cooking technologies.
“Many people still believe that the only way they can cook matooke or posho is by using the traditional stove, commonly known as a ‘sigiri’,” hs said.
“We need to demonstrate that cleaner, safer, and more efficient alternatives are available.”
UECCC continues to play a pivotal role in catalyzing investment in Uganda’s renewable energy sector by offering credit enhancement, technical assistance, and financing mechanisms that bridge gaps between financiers, energy service providers, and end users.
Through these initiatives, the company aims to expand energy access, promote environmental sustainability, and support Uganda’s transition to a green, inclusive economy.
The Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) is a government-owned institution established to facilitate increased investment in Uganda’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.
UECCC provides financial, technical, and advisory support to energy projects and service companies to enhance access to modern energy services for all Ugandans.