Uganda
In Uganda, GVEP, UNDP Uganda and the Ugandan Ministry of Energy and Minerals, are working on piloting Multi-Functional Platforms (MFPs) to demonstrate village-level energy service delivery, including financing and capacity development components. The MFPs have a strong alignment with the EAC (East African Community) regional strategy for scaling up access to modern energy services.
UNDP has secured IT Power as the GVEP implementing agency in Uganda, and the piloting of two diesel MFPs in Masindi district will lead off the project. The piloting of MFPs is meant to provide a body of knowledge on methods for delivering energy services to stimulate productive and income-generating activities for policy/advocacy efforts. This body of knowledge will include best practices in the design and community/private sector management of MFPs, socio-economic impacts of village-level energy delivery including a reduced burden on women’s labour, and financial sustainability of income generating activities stimulated by the MFP. As outlined in the project document, this knowledge will inform mainstreaming efforts by demonstrating what works and will demonstrate capacity for replication.
GVEP activities in Uganda also include a microfinance and energy PLP (Practitioner Learning Program) supported by USAID. This two-year programme aims to examine how microfinance institutions can better incorporate loans for energy services into their standard lending portfolios through peer learning processes managed by the Small Education and Enterprise Promotion (SEEP) Network. The PLP in Uganda focused on piloting and supporting the expansion of renewable energy loan products offered by FINCA Uganda in partnership with Shell (LPG) and Ultratec Ltd. In addition to providing technical assistance, the PLP has given FINCA Uganda the opportunity to share lessons learned and best practices with other MFIs in East and Southern Africa also piloting energy lending programmes. Now in its second year the FINCA renewable energy lending program has over 300 active clients in most regions of Uganda and is building momentum as a result of nationwide power shortages.
For further information on activities in country please contact Sarah Adams at sarah.adams@gvep.org
Documents & Articles
Scaling up Modern Energy Services in East Africa (draft document for endorsement by EAC Energy Ministers
31 July, 2005 - GTZ German Technical Co-operation/United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) have supported this initiative of promoting the agenda of scaling up access to modern energy services to meet the Millennium Development Goals in East Africa. UNDP contributed funding to this energy scale up initiative with resources made available through GVEP, which has programmes in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. UNDP and GTZ are open to continue support to the implementation of this strategy pending endorsement by the East African Community (EAC) Energy Ministers. Click here for the full document.(pdf, 741 kb)
Concept Note for Uganda
27 October, 2005 - The long-term outcome that this project aims to achieve is an increase in access to modern energy services in Uganda considering the national circumstances, opportunities and development priorities. Click here for full document (pdf, 407 kb)