Uganda’s solar energy players call for better financing models at energy expo
The three-day Expo, running from August 28-30, and held under the theme “Join the Sustainable Revolution,” brings together government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, and innovators to advance Uganda’s solar sector
KAMPALA, August 29, 2025 — Uganda’s solar energy sector has renewed its call for improved financing models and stronger quality standards to accelerate the country’s journey toward universal energy access, as solar power now serves more Ugandans than the national grid.
Speaking yesterday at the opening of the Second National Solar Energy Expo & Conference 2025, held at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala, Douglas Baguma, Chairman of the Uganda Solar Energy Association [USEA], emphasised the growing significance of the Expo, first held in 2024, in driving nationwide solar adoption.
Baguma noted that solar remains Uganda’s most cost-effective pathway out of energy poverty but warned that affordability gaps and the influx of counterfeit products continue to hinder progress.
“Uganda has made notable strides in electrification, with 57 percent of the population now accessing electricity. However, rural electrification remains below 20 percent. This calls for an urgent expansion of solar solutions to support education, health, agriculture, industry, and economic growth,” Baguma said.
He acknowledged the continued support from the Government of Uganda, development partners, and financiers such as Centenary Bank, whose efforts have been instrumental in advancing solar energy adoption.
Officially declaring the Expo open, Baguma called on stakeholders to forge partnerships, scale innovations, and mobilise investment to harness Uganda’s abundant solar potential for inclusive and sustainable development.
Financing solar energy: The road ahead
During a panel discussion titled “Financing Solar: Unlocking Investment for Solar Energy Growth,” Abdul Kyanika Nsibambi, Manager for Housing and Renewable Energy at Centenary Bank, highlighted awareness and access, not cost or collateral, as the primary barriers to solar financing.
He explained that many households and small businesses face high energy costs but remain unaware of reliable solar options or trustworthy providers.
To address these challenges, Centenary Bank is offering specialised energy loans at lower interest rates through strategic partnerships, training its branch staff to promote renewable energy solutions, and running awareness campaigns to improve access to clean, affordable power.
The bank was also honored with the Best Solar Energy Financier of the Year Award 2025, recognizing its commitment to renewable energy and broader ESG [Environmental, Social, and Governance] values.
Spotlight on Collaboration, Innovation, and Impact
The three-day Expo, running from August 28-30, and held under the theme “Join the Sustainable Revolution,” brings together government officials, industry leaders, financial institutions, and innovators to advance Uganda’s solar sector. Key focus areas include financing models, policy development, youth and women’s inclusion, and the role of solar in regenerative agriculture.
As a key sponsor, Centenary Bank is showcasing its renewable energy offerings, with Nsibambi scheduled to present later today.
Another sponsor, the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company [UECCC], reaffirmed its dedication to unlocking clean energy access through innovative financing, strategic partnerships, and consistent support for Uganda’s solar ecosystem. In a post on X, UECCC stated, “Together, we’re lighting the way to a sustainable future.”
Tulima Solar: Putting farmers first
Vicent Sseremba, CEO of Tulima Solar, took part in a high-level panel focused on scaling the productive use of renewable energy in Uganda. He shared success stories and insights on opportunities and challenges in the sector.
Sseremba stressed the importance of being customer-centric: listening to farmers, delivering quality products, and ensuring excellent customer care. He highlighted the critical role of after-sales support in building trust and increasing adoption through timely and reliable service.
He called on development partners such as UECCC, GIZ, and SNV to continue extending flexible financial services, making renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable for farmers.
He said collaboration, awareness creation, and stakeholder engagement are key to increasing uptake and impact. He underscored that affordable financing is the gateway to empowering smallholder farmers and enabling them to fully benefit from renewable energy technologies.
A call to action
In his closing remarks, Sseremba expressed gratitude to fellow panelists, event organisers, and partners saying, “Collaboration has been pivotal in making Tulima’s solutions both accessible and impactful. At Tulima, we remain committed to empowering farmers, transforming communities, and driving Uganda’s renewable energy journey forward. We call upon policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, and fellow stakeholders to join hands with us in scaling renewable energy adoption, creating sustainable livelihoods, and building a greener future for Uganda.”
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