The training, conducted by Senda Institute for Energy and Management (SENDEA) in partnership with St Kizito Technical Institute Madera, brought together participants from Teso and neighbouring regions to acquire skills in solar system design, installation, maintenance, water pumping and irrigation technologies.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, SENDEA Chief Executive Officer Florence Chozaire said the programme is aimed at equipping youth and women with practical renewable energy skills that can create employment while supporting Uganda's target of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.
She said Teso's agriculture-based economy presents significant opportunities for solar-powered irrigation systems, making it important to train technicians who can install, maintain and repair renewable energy technologies within communities.
"Our objective is to ensure young people not only acquire employable skills but are also able to support farmers, households and businesses with reliable renewable energy solutions," Chozaire said.
She added that SENDEA has trained more than 2,000 people in technical and business-related courses since 2018 and plans to expand similar programmes across the country through partnerships with vocational institutions.
Chozaire appealed to government and development partners to increase support for vocational training, saying many young people cannot afford specialised technical courses despite the growing demand for skilled renewable energy technicians.
She also urged engineering companies to provide equal opportunities for women in technical fields, noting that female technicians have demonstrated strong performance in solar installation and maintenance.
Deputy Principal of St. Kizito Technical Institute Madera said the partnership reflects the growing importance of collaboration in strengthening technical and vocational education.
He said the training complements Uganda's competence-based education reforms by giving participants practical industry skills that improve their chances of employment.
The institute currently has more than 600 students, but only a small proportion are female, especially in electrical installation programmes.
He encouraged more girls to pursue technical education, saying renewable energy offers significant career opportunities.
Graduates described the training as transformative.
John Bosco Sorubo, a technician at Soroti Secondary School, said the course had changed how he approaches solar installations.
"Previously we installed systems through guesswork, but now we understand proper system sizing, customer assessment and professional installation," he said.
Sorubo said he plans to introduce solar-powered water pumping and lighting systems at his school to reduce electricity costs and improve learning during power outages.
Another graduate, Irene Egao, an electrical engineering diploma holder, said the training had given her confidence to compete professionally in a field traditionally dominated by men.
"I can now design complete solar systems, install them and carry out maintenance. I encourage girls not to fear technical education because we can perform just as well as men," she said.
Fellow graduate Nakai Marini Fred said the practical training had equipped participants with skills to serve households, farms and businesses seeking reliable solar energy solutions.
Organisers pledged to help trainees secure internship placements with renewable energy companies to enable them gain additional field experience.
Community leaders welcomed the initiative, saying increased access to practical technical skills will help reduce youth unemployment while promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies in rural communities.
Organisers expressed optimism that the graduates will contribute to expanding solar energy access, supporting climate-smart agriculture and improving livelihoods across the Teso sub-region.