Uganda’s Solar Startups Light the Way for Rural Electrification
Mbale, Uganda When the sun dips behind Mount Elgon, most of Bumasikye village now stays bright. Not from kerosene lamps or diesel generators, but from small, smart solar systems lighting homes, shops, and schools — powered by Uganda’s rising solar entrepreneurs.
The New Energy Frontier
Across Uganda, an estimated 8 million households still lack access to reliable grid power. But local startups like SolarNow, Fenix International (Engie Energy Access), Village Power, and Power Africa Uganda Accelerator are proving that energy access doesn’t have to wait for the grid to arrive.
“Our mission is simple: affordable power for every home,” said Josephine Namusoke, country manager at SolarNow. “We finance solar in installments, so families can own their systems and build credit while powering their lives.”
The pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) model — where customers pay small daily or weekly fees via mobile money — has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s off-grid success. It allows even low-income households to access lighting, phone charging, refrigeration, and water pumps.
Community Impact
In the Eastern and Northern regions, schools have adopted mini-grids to power computers and internet access. Health centers in Soroti now run cold-chain fridges for vaccines using solar energy — a crucial link for child immunization programs.
“Power isn’t just light,” said Dr. Faith Akello, a medical officer in Katakwi. “It’s safe deliveries, working fridges, and hope that doesn’t switch off at night.”
Scaling Up: Policy & Partnerships
Uganda’s Energy Policy 2023 targets 100% electricity access by 2040, blending grid extension with off-grid solutions. The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) have launched blended-finance programs to support startups building rural mini-grids.
Despite progress, challenges persist — including the high cost of storage batteries, import taxes on solar components, and limited local manufacturing capacity. Yet, optimism remains strong as innovators combine technology with community finance and local assembly.
“This is Africa’s Silicon Savannah for energy,” said Engineer Paul Ssekito, an energy consultant in Kampala. “Uganda’s solar model is being studied by other nations.”
The next phase: scaling solar beyond homes — into agro-processing, irrigation, and digital education — powering prosperity from the grassroots.
