The discovery of commercial oil reserves in the Albertine Graben has further complicated Uganda’s energy landscape. While oil extraction has attracted investment and infrastructure development, it has also detracted from the country’s focus on transitioning to clean energy. This dependence on fossil fuels has had severe environmental and social consequences, particularly for Uganda’s vulnerable populations. In fact, over 90% of the population still depends on traditional biomass sources like firewood and charcoal for cooking, contributing to deforestation, air pollution, and adverse health outcomes, particularly among women and children.

The Urgency of Transitioning to Clean Energy

The Renewable Energy Program under CERAI seeks to address this imbalance by promoting the adoption of clean, reliable, and affordable energy alternatives for all Ugandans. The program’s main objectives include:

• Increasing access to renewable energy technologies: Advocating for widespread use of solar, hydropower, and wind technologies to provide electricity to off-grid communities and reduce the reliance on firewood and charcoal.
• Supporting energy-efficient solutions: Promoting the use of clean cookstoves, biogas systems, and other technologies that reduce the harmful environmental and health impacts of traditional cooking methods.
• Empowering vulnerable populations: Ensuring that women, children, and rural communities—who are most affected by energy poverty—are at the forefront of efforts to access clean energy alternatives.
• Promoting solar energy: Solar power holds particular promise in Uganda. The program aims to provide solar kits for households, schools, and health centers, thereby improving education, healthcare, and livelihoods through better access to electricity.

Addressing Energy Poverty and Climate Change

Uganda’s reliance on firewood and charcoal for cooking, combined with the rising demand for fossil fuels, presents a significant challenge for both the environment and the health of its citizens. The destruction of forests, which are often cleared for fuel, is contributing to climate change and leading to the depletion of one of Uganda’s most important natural resources. By reducing dependency on firewood and charcoal, CERAI aims to help communities mitigate climate change while protecting vital ecosystems.

Energy poverty—the lack of access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy—remains a persistent issue in Uganda. Approximately 75% of the population lacks access to electricity, and rural areas are particularly affected. The Renewable Energy Program advocates for policies and investments that prioritize energy access for marginalized communities, focusing on rural electrification through off-grid solutions, including solar home systems and mini-grids.

Mitigating Climate Change through Renewable Energy

Uganda’s energy transition is critical to the country’s commitment to combat climate change. By investing in renewable energy, Uganda can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and align itself with global climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. CERAI’s Renewable Energy Program is committed to:

• Reducing Uganda’s carbon footprint: Promoting renewable energy solutions will help the country lower its emissions and decrease its contribution to global warming.
• Enhancing climate resilience: Renewable energy can also bolster resilience to climate change impacts, such as droughts and floods, which threaten agricultural productivity and food security.
• Aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040: Uganda’s long-term development framework, Vision 2040, emphasizes the need for sustainable energy development. CERAI is pushing for policies and actions that align with this vision by encouraging the government and stakeholders to prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuel expansion.

Advocating for Policy Change and Investment

CERAI’s Renewable Energy Program also plays an important role in shaping national energy policies. The program works closely with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international partners to advocate for:

• Favorable policy frameworks that incentivize investment in renewable energy projects.
• Government subsidies and financing mechanisms that make renewable energy technologies affordable for all Ugandans.
• Public-private partnerships to foster innovation and increase the availability of renewable energy products in rural markets.
• Energy education and awareness campaigns to inform Ugandans about the benefits of renewable energy and the importance of reducing their reliance on unsustainable fuels.

By advocating for clean, accessible, and affordable energy for all, CERAI aims to not only improve the lives of ordinary Ugandans but also help the country achieve its sustainable development goals while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and protecting the environment for future generations.