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Ugandan MPs and community leaders chart path for green energy zones
- tania1413
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Members of Parliament, government officials and community leaders came together in Kampala on Monday 6 October for a national workshop on Uganda’s energy future. The meeting hosted as part of the Parliamentarians for Climate Finance (PCF) project, focused on how Community Green Energy Zones (CGEZ) could accelerate the country's shift to renewable energy while driving local development. It was part of the wider PCF project which supports legislators across 15 African countries to mobilise climate finance and promote laws that expand access to clean energy. The initiative is led by a Climate Parliament in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation with support from the Green Climate Fund. The meeting in Kampala was the first national workshop in Uganda, marking an important step in bringing together policymakers and communities to shape the country’s clean energy transition.
Uganda’s targets are ambitious. Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV aim for universal access to electricity by 2030, with grid coverage expanding 82% by 2050. But current figures show the scale of the challenge. As of 2022 only 47% of Ugandans had electricity and rural access was stuck at 10%. Biomass, including firewood and charcoal still accounts for close to 90% of household energy use.
Creating space for new policy and investment
The workshop gave legislators and community representatives a space to examine these gaps and explore how new policy frameworks combined with targeted investment can bring renewable energy closer to households and industries.
Dr Sanjay Kumar, Chief Policy Adviser at Climate Parliament said:
“Community Green Energy Zones are about creating reliable and affordable energy solutions that serve people where they live and work while also making space for private sector investment.”
Hon Shartsi Nayebare Kutesa Musherure, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Steering Committee (ParlSC) said:
“This workshop has highlighted the critical role that Community Green Energy Zones can play in Uganda’s energy future. By combining sound policy, targeted investment and community engagement, we have the opportunity to expand electricity access, reduce reliance on biomass and drive local development. The discussions today reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that Uganda’s transition to renewable energy is inclusive, sustainable and benefits every community across the country.”
Gertrude Anirwoth, Policy Coordinator, Uganda said:
“As we meet today, Uganda faces both an enormous challenge and a historic opportunity. Our nation is rich in renewable resources, yet unlocking their potential requires bold policy frameworks, effective regulation and community-driven innovation. This workshop will help us chart a path where legislative leadership aligns with grassroots action building Community Green Energy Zones that can power homes, businesses and entire communities sustainably.”
Themes and discussions
Participants discussed three core themes:
Finding areas where CGEZs could have strongest impact on livelihood and local economies.
Clarifying what legislative and regulatory change is needed to enable investment and oversight.
Exploring practical tools such as blended finance, green bonds and cooperative contributions.
Hon. Sharsti Musherure, delivered the welcome remarks and through presentations by technical experts and speakers, the workshop deepened the Parliamentary Steering Committee’s understanding of CGEZs, renewable energy financing and policy frameworks. The workshop acted as a networking and collaborative session for the members with government agencies, private sector actors and community leaders.
The breakout sessions fed into the overall goal of the workshop to develop clear recommendations for establishing a legislative, regulatory, fiscal and institutional framework to recognise, finance and operationalise CGEZs as a cornerstone of Uganda’s just energy transition. Key recommendations included formal recognition of CGEZs within national energy planning, introduction of fiscal incentives to attract investment and clear delineation of roles and responsibilities across government tiers and relevant agencies to guide planning and implementation. Site selection was proposed to prioritise areas with high population density, starting with the cattle corridor, farming communities, schools and fishing communities.
Other recommendations highlighted the need for innovative financing mechanisms, such as blended finance and green bonds. Also discussed was the importance of strategic partnerships among government, the private sector, development partners and local cooperatives to mobilise resources and strengthen implementation capacity. Overall, participants emphasised the mobilisation and blending of concessional, public and private capital to finance low-carbon and climate-resilient community energy zones.
“By bringing together legislators, government officials and community leaders, this workshop has reinforced the importance of designing Community Green Energy Zones that respond to local needs. These zones can improve livelihoods, enhance energy access in rural areas and strengthen Uganda’s resilience while fostering inclusive development” - HonRita Atukwasa MP, Mbarara City
