Roy Nyamuntale Baguma, the Managing Director of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC), emphasized the vital role of renewable energy and clean cooking technologies in driving Uganda’s sustainable development and economic growth.
Speaking on Monday during Spotlight Uganda, hosted by NBS Television under the theme "Powering Uganda's Growth: Access, Reliability, and Expansion," Baguma highlighted the growing demand for renewable energy solutions and the government’s commitment to improving access to modern energy services across the nation.
“As a government company, we pool resources towards renewable energy and modern energy services for Ugandans,” Baguma stated. He pointed out the overwhelming demand for off-grid solar energy in rural areas and a significant need for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for clean cooking, particularly in urban centers.
Baguma further explained that UECCC is focused on creating and sustaining markets for energy service companies while minimizing investment risks. This is achieved through innovative subsidies and incentives aimed at ensuring long-term service delivery.
“We don’t want energy service companies to abandon their customers. We offer incentives to companies that have been in a region for over a year. By providing targeted subsidies, we are not only breaking new ground but also entering new markets,” he explained.
With more than 70% of Uganda’s population engaged in agriculture, Baguma highlighted the vast potential for solar-powered irrigation, water pumping, and solar drying technologies to boost productivity and enhance food security. These innovations, he noted, offer emerging opportunities for energy companies looking to expand their reach and impact.
Currently, approximately four million Ugandan households use solar energy. However, Baguma warned that the limited number of service providers—around 20 companies—presents challenges in ensuring adequate maintenance and technical support for users.
“We believe the solar user base will continue to grow significantly, so it’s critical that we take customer experience seriously,” he said.
On the topic of clean cooking, Baguma stressed the importance of public awareness and demonstrations to shift public perceptions about modern cooking technologies.
“Many people still believe that the only way to cook matooke or posho is with the traditional stove, commonly known as a ‘sigiri’,” Baguma noted. “We need to show that cleaner, safer, and more efficient alternatives are available.”
UECCC continues to play a central role in attracting investment to Uganda’s renewable energy sector by providing credit enhancement, technical assistance, and financing solutions that bridge the gap 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 entity established to facilitate increased investment in Uganda’s renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors. It provides financial, technical, and advisory support to energy projects and service companies, helping enhance access to modern energy services for all Ugandans.