Despite solar energy being the most widely used alternative source of power in Uganda, there is still a significant lack of awareness about its full potential. For many people, solar is only associated with household lighting, yet it has the capacity to power businesses, drive industries, and play a critical role in the country’s economic transformation.
This gap in knowledge was one of the central issues discussed during the second edition of the Uganda Solar Energy Expo held recently at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala.
The event brought together government officials, development partners, financial institutions, innovators, and industry leaders to deliberate on how to strengthen the solar sector and accelerate Uganda’s journey toward universal energy access.
During a high-level panel discussion titled “Financing Solar: Unlocking Investment for Solar Energy Growth,” Abdul Kyanika Nsibambi, Manager for Housing and Renewable Energy at Centenary Bank, pointed out that the biggest obstacles to solar adoption are not the high costs or lack of collateral as many assume but limited awareness and inadequate access to reliable providers.
He explained that many households and small enterprises continue to face high energy bills while struggling with unreliable electricity. Yet most remain unaware of existing solar alternatives that could cut their costs and boost productivity.
“To address these challenges, Centenary Bank has developed specialised energy loans at lower interest rates, working through strategic partnerships to make clean energy affordable,” Nsibambi said.
He added that the bank is training its branch staff to promote renewable energy solutions and running awareness campaigns to educate the public on available options.
In recognition of these efforts, Centenary Bank was honoured with the Best Solar Energy Financier of the Year Award 2025, underscoring its contribution to renewable energy financing and commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values.
The expo also underscored the urgent need for stronger financing models and enforcement of quality standards. Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA) Chief Executive officer, Douglas Baguma, emphasised that solar remains Uganda’s most cost-effective pathway out of energy poverty, especially given the country’s abundant sunshine. However, he warned that two key challenges affordability gaps and counterfeit products continue to slow sector growth.
“Uganda has made notable strides in electrification, with about 57 percent of the population now having access to electricity. But rural electrification remains below 20 percent, meaning millions of households are still left behind,” Baguma said.
“If we want inclusive development, we must urgently expand solar solutions to support education, health, agriculture, industry, and overall economic growth.”
He hailed the government’s ongoing support, as well as contributions from development partners and financiers like Centenary Bank, whose interventions are helping to expand access.
Baguma urged stakeholders to intensify collaborations, scale up innovative solutions, and mobilise more investment in order to harness the country’s solar potential sustainably.
Industry players also noted that solar is no longer just an alternative, but is fast becoming the primary source of energy for many Ugandans. In fact, more households today rely on solar than on the national grid, a shift that reflects both the opportunities and challenges in the sector. With proper investment, regulation, and public awareness, experts say solar could anchor Uganda’s ambitions of achieving universal access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy by 2030.