The initiative aims to narrow the affordability gap for improved cookstoves and off-grid solar products, particularly targeting underserved refugee communities and their host districts in Northern Uganda and Kiryandongo. With the backing of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this venture is poised to transform energy access for thousands of households in the region.

During a launch event held this week, stakeholders were briefed on the project's objectives and underlying rationale. Mr. Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of PSFU, underscored the pressing need to address the energy access disparity prevalent among rural populations, refugee settlements, and host communities, particularly in Northern Uganda.

The project will leverage a market-based Results-Based Financing approach, incentivizing companies to offer discounted prices on solar PV solutions and clean cooking technologies to targeted refugee and hosting districts. Through this mechanism, EnDev aims to reach 23,000 households with Solar PV and 190,000 households with clean cooking technologies, including improved cookstoves and higher-tier cooking stoves.

A crucial preliminary activity, a regional launch, was conducted in Arua last week to garner support and engagement from district leaders, refugee response leaders, UN agencies, and private sector entities. Dr. James Macbeth, Country Director of GIZ Uganda, emphasized the profound impact of energy access on societal progress and well-being, stressing the importance of leaving no one behind in the quest for empowerment and resilience.

H.E. Dr. Karin Boven, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted the intrinsic link between energy and poverty, affirming the commitment of the Netherlands and its partners to accelerate access to renewable energy, particularly among vulnerable populations, to promote social justice and human dignity.

Hon. Sidronius Okaasai, Minister of State for Energy at MEMD, urged the private sector to capitalize on the opportunities presented by the project, emphasizing the importance of delivering quality, affordable products to ensure genuine benefits for communities.

The launch of this ambitious project signifies a significant stride towards achieving sustainable energy access and addressing energy poverty in Uganda's underserved regions. As efforts intensify to expand access to clean energy solutions, the collaboration between government, private sector, and development partners is poised to drive positive change and foster inclusive growth in the country.