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The groundbreaking of the ORIO Mini Hydropower Project that was held on 1st February 2025 in Mitooma district, marks the beginning of the journey towards affordable and reliable electricity for thousands of Ugandans in hard-to-reach areas of Western Uganda.

The ORIO mini hydro power project entails construction of nine (9) mini hydro power plants (combined capacity of 6.7 MW) and construction of a local distribution network (288 KM) in the project area. (Kasese, Bushenyi, Mitooma, Hoima, Kabarole, Bunyangabu and Bundibugyo Districts) as a single project. The project is funded by the ORIO Infrastructure fund (Now “Invest International”) of the Netherlands Government and co-financing from the Government of Uganda with UECCC as the designated Implementing Agency of the Project.

This project is a key part of Uganda’s Sustainable Energy Development Programme, aimed at increasing generation capacity and expanding rural electrification. At completion, it will connect 71,081 households and 2,300 Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) to clean, reliable energy through 9 mini hydro plants with a total capacity of 6.7 MW.

UECCC Managing Director, Roy Nyamutale Baguma said that the mini-hydro power plants will provide a stable and reliable energy source for rural businesses, health centres, and households. “This is more than just power, it’s rural transformation in action”, he added.

“Phase one of the project will include four sites; Nchwera, Igassa, Nsongya, and Hoimo, and the construction will be carried out by HNAC Technology Co. Ltd from China for the civil and hydro-mechanical works, and Ossberger GmbH from Germany for the design and installation of turbines and electro-mechanical works.” Baguma added.

Hon. Dr. Canon Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development said the project represents a significant contribution to Uganda’s energy goals because on completion, it will have a major impact on rural electrification in Uganda by connecting over 376,000 people to stable electricity, improving livelihoods, promoting business growth, and supporting healthcare and education.

On his part, the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Embassy, Mr. Joost Van Ettro reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to Uganda’s renewable energy sector. He noted that the Netherlands has invested UGX 650B in Uganda’s energy sector, supporting large hydro plants, mini-grids, & off-grid solar solutions. He highlighted that this project, funded through Invest International, will add 6.7MW to Uganda’s grid, extend 288km of power lines, and connect hundreds of thousands to the grid.

The Ambassador further commended Uganda’s leadership in prioritising renewable energy investments, creating an enabling environment for both public & private sector participation. He emphasised that the Netherlands remains a strategic partner in Uganda’s energy transition, with more projects on the horizon.

The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa commended the ORIO Mini Hydro Power Project as a transformative step for Uganda’s energy sector, emphasizing its potential to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power. He praised the Government of Uganda and the Netherlands for their collaboration, stressing how crucial access to electricity is for businesses, schools, and households.

“The partnership between our government and the Netherlands has proven to be a beacon of development, and today is evidence of what can be achieved when we work together for the common good,” he said.

He reaffirmed the continued support of Parliament for such projects that are aligned with Uganda’s vision of economic growth and sustainable development.

Lilian Rebeccah Akullo

Communications Specialist

In a milestone move to improve access to clean energy, Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC) in partnership with several Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), has launched a Price Subsidy Program for Clean Energy Technologies. The Program is set to make high-quality, off-grid solar systems, clean cooking solutions, and productive energy use equipment affordable to millions of Ugandans, including those in refugee settlements.

The subsidy program, a key component of UECCC’s Results-Based Financing (RBF) Program, addresses the cost barriers often associated with adopting the use of clean energy technologies. Through significant price reductions with the selected ESCOs, it aims to increase accessibility and adoption of energy-efficient products nationwide:

• • Solar Lanterns will see a 60% price reduction, and two-light solar systems will have a 50% discount.
  • Clean cooking solutions—using solar, briquettes, ethanol, biogas, and liquefied petroleum gas—will receive discounts ranging from 30% to 50%.
  • Productive energy equipment, including water pumps, irrigation systems, refrigeration, cooling units, water heating, and grain milling equipment, will be discounted by 60%.

Through this partnership with ESCOs, UECCC is rolling out the program with a market-based approach, ensuring a wide geographical reach across Uganda, including remote areas. Already, eighty-seven (87) companies certified by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) have been selected to participate, with more expected to join as the program expands.

The Price Subsidy Program, which begins operations on November 1, 2024, aims to streamline the purchasing process, making it accessible, transparent, and straightforward. Ugandans only need a National Identification Card and the ability to cover the subsidized cost to purchase eligible products on the spot. UECCC will publicize both original and discounted prices for each participating company, providing clarity and transparency.

As part of the program, UECCC will conduct regional sensitization campaigns to raise awareness about the benefits of clean energy adoption. Through this and other targeted communication efforts, UECCC hopes to foster a broad understanding of how these technologies contribute to sustainable economic growth, environmental health, and household well-being.

UECCC is the Implementing Agency of the Financial Intermediation Component of the Electricity Access Scale up Project (EASP) with a component value of USD 110m, under which, the RBF Program falls. The project is supported by the World Bank and the Government of Uganda.

Lilian Rebeccah Akullo

Communication Specialist

Various Visionaries of Uganda Awards for the 10^th ceremony have applauded the organizers for boosting their profiles and putting to light their contributions towards economic transformation in Uganda.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP),  Uganda Energy Credit Capitalization Company (UECCC), National Drug Authority (NDA),  Dan ChurchAid Uganda were among the award winners that were recognized for their excellence during the colorful event held on 24^th November at Serena Hotel Kampala.

Hon. Muruli Mukasa the Chief Guest, at the 10th Visionaries of Uganda Awards Ceremony said, “The 10th Visionaries of Uganda Awards Ceremony aims to recognize individuals and organizations that have excelled in the realization of Vision 2040.” He congratulated all the awardees.

He was flanked by two other Ministers namely Francis Mwebesa Trade and Peter Lokeris in charge of minerals.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo that received an award for exemplary leadership and selfless contribution to the Justice, Law and Order Sector, and for outstanding contribution towards Uganda middle income status aspiration and Vision 2040 was presented to her by the Minister of Public Service Hon. Muruli Mukasa.

Speaking at the event as Gest Speaker, the DPP explained the role of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) towards Uganda’s socio–economic transformation. She pointed out that effective prosecution of criminal cases contributes to the advancement of social justice, and the pursuit of justice for all. It also creates a friendly and secure environment which are pertinent preconditions for inclusive growth and competitiveness. She informed the business community of the need for their collaboration with the Office of the DPP to ensure that criminal justice is administered. The DPP appreciated the Government of Uganda for the award and congratulated all the other awardees, encouraging them to work harder.

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UECCC on 24/11/22  received recognition & won an award as the best ‘Government Renewable Energy Agency of the Year’ during the 10th Visionaries of Uganda Award Ceremony held at Kampala Serena Hotel.

The award ceremony is held every year and outstanding companies in various sectors contributing to attainment of the Uganda Vision 2040 are recognised.

This year’s event was presided over by the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruli Mukasa who represented the Vice President of the Republic of  Uganda. Other Ministers in attendance were the Minister of Trade, Industries and Cooperatives, Hon. Mwebesa Francis and Minister of State for Energy, Hon.Peter Lokeris.

UECCC remains committed to continue providing financing to catalyse access to renewable energy.