Stanbic Bank Uganda has called on schools and higher learning institutions to embrace renewable energy solutions as a practical strategy for reducing rising operational costs and improving long-term sustainability.
The appeal was made during the second day of Stanbic Bank’s inaugural regional business forums, which brought together education sector stakeholders to discuss challenges and opportunities facing schools. The forums, which form part of the bank’s 35-year client engagement activities, are scheduled to run across the country throughout the year and opened earlier this week with a focus on the manufacturing sector.
The education-focused session convened school proprietors, energy providers, policymakers, and financiers to explore pathways for accelerating clean energy adoption across Uganda’s learning institutions.
Speaking at the forum, Eng. David Birimumaaso, Assistant Commissioner for Energy Efficiency and Conservation at Uganda’s Ministry of Energy, said access to reliable and affordable energy remains critical for improving learning environments and supporting national development goals.
“Access to reliable and affordable energy is essential for creating conducive learning environments. Renewable solutions can bridge existing gaps while supporting Uganda’s broader climate and development objectives,” Birimumaaso said.
Energy financing specialists from Stanbic Bank noted that many schools continue to face mounting electricity costs, frequent power outages, rising generator expenses, and heavy dependence on firewood. They argued that renewable energy technologies now offer institutions an opportunity to lower operating expenses while improving reliability.
Tunde Thorpe, Executive Head of Business and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank, said schools can improve resilience and redirect savings toward educational outcomes by investing in clean energy solutions.
“Many institutions still struggle with energy-related inefficiencies that affect service delivery. Clean energy solutions free up resources that can be redirected to improving learning outcomes,” Thorpe said.
He added that Stanbic Bank has developed tailored financing products designed to make renewable energy investments more accessible and affordable for education institutions.
According to sector data presented at the forum, Uganda’s electricity access rate now stands at 56.7%, with solar energy accounting for 37.7% and the national grid contributing 18.9%. Despite these gains, many schools remain exposed to unreliable energy supply and escalating power costs.
Noah Ochima of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company said falling technology costs have made renewable energy solutions increasingly viable for schools.
“Renewable energy is no longer a future option; it is a present-day necessity,” Ochima said.
Private-sector participants echoed the call for greater adoption of renewable technologies. Mohammed Lubowa, Managing Director of All In Trade Uganda, urged school operators to view renewable energy investments as a long-term strategy for stability, efficiency, and cost reduction rather than an additional financial burden.
Stanbic Bank’s Head of Commercial Banking, Melissa Nyakwera, said the lender is strengthening its engagement with education institutions through financing solutions, technical support, and strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating the transition to clean energy.
Nyakwera highlighted several financing options available to schools, including asset financing for school buses and collateral-free lending based on transaction history, as part of the bank’s broader efforts to support institutional sustainability.
She also raised concerns about the continued reliance on firewood in schools, citing its environmental and public health implications.
“No one develops alone. Stronger collaboration between government, development partners, financial institutions, and renewable energy providers will be critical to expanding clean energy access across Uganda’s education sector,” Nyakwera said.
The forum underscored growing recognition among policymakers, financiers, and education leaders that renewable energy is becoming an increasingly important tool for controlling costs, improving operational efficiency, and supporting sustainable development across Uganda’s education sector.
