Ugandan Solar Importers Cite "Old Mindset" as Barrier to Widespread Adoption

Ugandan solar importers face challenges in promoting solar energy due to public misconceptions about its effectiveness.

Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan solar importers are pointing to a persistent "old mindset" among the public as a major factor limiting the broader adoption of solar energy. Despite its potential, many consumers still perceive solar power as an ineffective alternative, a misconception importers are urgently working to dispel.

These concerns were highlighted at the second annual solar exhibition, currently underway at the Silver Spring Hotel in Bugoloobi. The event has drawn over three hundred solar importers from across the country, all united in their goal to increase public awareness and demonstrate that solar energy is a viable and superior power alternative.

Current statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics underscore the challenge, indicating that solar energy contributes only twenty-eight per cent of the existing energy sources, compared to fifty-seven per cent from other conventional sources.

The Chairperson of the Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA), Douglas Baguma, noted that the strong turnout of importers at the exhibition reflects a growing consensus that solar power is a key solution for Uganda's energy sector.

 
"Solar has been seen as the best solution to the Ugandan energy sector, and this exhibition is a crucial step in changing public perception."

In a show of institutional support, Patrick Owere, the Finance Manager of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company, announced a partnership with USEA for the expo. This collaboration is part of a broader government initiative, the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, which the World Bank funds for ten million dollars.

 
"We are partnering with USEA to implement the government program branded Electricity Access Scale-Up Project, which is vital for expanding energy access."

The National Coordinator of the Association of Uganda Solar Importers, Yusuf Sebuuma, explained that the core mission of the workshop is to educate Ugandans on how solar technology can effectively address the nation's electricity challenges. He emphasised that the application of solar power has expanded far beyond simple lighting to include innovative uses in farming and security.

 
"The purpose of this workshop is for Ugandans to get to know how solar can address the electric challenge. Solar has gone beyond lighting to farming and security."