joint energy and environment projects - Nordic Folkecenter for ...

JOINT ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS
“GO SOLAR FOR WEALTH AND HEALTH” WORKSHOP AND EXHIBITION
REPORT 2009
VENUE FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE
HALL, MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
PREPARED BY JOINT ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS
(JEEP)
P.O.BOX 4264 KAMPALA
Tel: +256 - 41-578316, Fax: 256 - 41- 245597
E-MAIL jeep_energy@yahoo.com
www.jeepfolkecenter.org

INTRODUCTION
In line with its activities, Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) in partnership
with Centre for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation (CREEC) organized a one
day Solar Energy workshop and exhibition with a theme “Go Solar for Wealth and
Health” which took place on the 19 th of February 2009 at Makerere University, Food
Science and Technology Conference Hall and it was attended by 125 participants. (See
appendix 1).
The workshop was attended by among others, Government officials, CBOs, NGOs (both
local and International), Students, Private sector, Policy makers and the Media. It was
interactive and participants were given a chance to ask questions and express their views.
An exhibition of the solar equipment was also carried out by Solar Construct, Ultra Tec,
Base Technology and Solar Energy Uganda. Here various people came to see the
different appliances and the practicability of solar energy.
The workshop brought together various stake holders in the energy sector and at the end
of the day, a lot was shared and learnt.
The speakers were:
‐ Mr. Preben Maegaard – Director of Nordic Folkecenter - Denmark (Solar cell
status internationally)
‐ Dr. Izrael da Silva - Director CREEC - Makerere University (Role of CREEC – in
promoting Solar Energy in Uganda)
‐ Ruth Kiwanuka – C.E.O Joint Energy and Environment Projects (Founding of
JEEP, JEEP’s training module & MC)
‐ Andrew Kibuuka – Information officer JEEP and Engineer James Kakusiya –
JEEP engineer (Overview of JEEP Solar Energy Project, success and challenges)
‐ Sande William – JEEP Local electrician (solar energy in rural Communities)
‐ Santore – LC 3 Chairman Ajia sub county, Arua (solar energy in rural
households)
‐ Boldewyn Sloet – BASE Technology (Role of Solar Companies)
‐ Kazungu Bob – Developing Energy Enterprise Project (Wrap up presentations)

The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Izrael da Silva (see appendix 2) – Director
Center for Research in Energy and Energy Conservation on behalf of the guest of honor.
He welcomed all participants and exhibitors and further thanked all those who had done a
great job to make this workshop a success. He later enlightened the role of CREEC in
promoting Solar Energy where he told participants that for Solar Energy development
and utilization to be a success, there is need for Government, Private Sector and
Universities to work together to address solar energy demands in Uganda. He gave a
vivid example of the Silicon Valley and Hollywood in the USA where there development
and success is attributed to the cooperation between the US Government and the private
sector. Dr. da Silva urged the university to carry out its activities outside Makerere and
the private sector to be stronger in the field of energy in particular solar energy; he
thanked GTZ for its support in the preparation of The Energy Efficiency Directory 2003.
He further criticized the idea of sitting behind and wait for the government to invest in
solar energy because of it’s our role all together.
Ruth Kiwanuka, the C.E.O of (JEEP) was the Master of Ceremony; she thanked the
organizers of the workshop and the participants and gave a recap of JEEP’s back ground,
activities and the 8-step training module. She narrated that JEEP was founded in 1983 as
a result of a long drought that hit Ethiopia due to environmental destruction/degradation.
Following such incidence, the founders came up with a vision “A Safe Environment for a
Sure Future”. She later on introduced JEEP staff and field representatives (JEEP
Community Solar Projects) and explained the 8-step JEEP training module which
involves:
• Antecedent
• Mobilization
• Awareness
• Training
• Implementation
• Implementation
• Follow up (Door to Door)
• Participatory evaluation

She further appealed for more such workshops to strengthen networking and information
sharing among Private Sector, Universities and Government.
Kibuuka Andrew, the Information Officer JEEP in conjunction with Engineer Kakusiya
James presented an Overview, Success and Challenges of JEEP’s Community Solar
Projects. The Information Officer gave a recap of JEEP’s Solar Energy Projects in Arua,
Tororo, Luwero and Kampala (Kyanja) where they have installed solar phone changing
systems, battery charging, central lighting at market centres and refrigeration at Health
units for example at Ajia Health Centre in Arua district and Ochoco Community
Secondary School.
He further outlined the success so far JEEP has registered in its solar projects and they
were as follows:

SUCCESS
Income generation for the community for example phone and battery charging at
Wabutungulu, Ajia and Nyakol
JEEP Folkecenter up-graded into a solar demonstration centre
Awareness created to various communities
16 private solar installations done
200 solar Led Lamps sold to replace the Local “Tadooba”
Community installations (demonstration sites in the 3 districts)
However despite such commendable success, engineer James pointed out some
challenges JEEP faces in the implementation and running of its solar projects and they
included among the following:
CHALLAGES
Identifying good quality equipment
Theft (inflaming of panels from roofs)
Roof inclination (lack of equipment to measure roof inclination)
Transportation of delicate equipment such as panels and acid
Equipment and the necessary tools are not available especial in rural areas
Post installation due to over loading of the system, due to ignorance
Sande William, JEEP’s solar committee representative (local electrician) from Luwero
thanked JEEP for having enlightened his community about solar energy and its benefits.
He further pointed out that since JEEP’s solar demonstration sites were established in
Wabutungulu – Luwero District, there has been remarkable improvement in the standards
of living and numerous benefits have been achieved in his village for example awareness
about solar energy and its benefits, income generation through phone and battery
charging, training of local electricians among others.
The LC3 Chairman Ajia sub-county, Arua District Mr. Santore (JEEP’s solar committee
representative), thanked JEEP for supporting government programmes (prosperity for all)

and for establishing a solar demonstration site in his home area and for organising such a
wonderful workshop and exhibition.
He further said that electricity is very expensive, for example he singled out that an
electric pole in Ajia goes for 1.5 million shillings ($ 769.2) thus making it very expensive
for his people to afford however, following the installation of solar in Ajai sub-county,
people no longer waste time walking long distances taking their phones to Arua town for
charging, there has been improvement in the health status of his people following the
installation of a solar refrigerator at Ajia Health Centre.
Boldewyn Sloet from Base Technology thanked Dr. da Silva for inviting them to take
part in the exhibition, he presented the role of Solar Companies in promoting solar energy
where he said that Base Technology has Micro Solar Lamp Systems (fire fly) for
replacing the local “Tadooba” which are sold at much cheaper price, they train people to
sell solar products and earn a profit at the end of the day. He further said that they train
16 people a week who are given a bag or box containing 50 lamps to sell off so as to earn
a commission.
In his speech, Preben Maegaard Director of the Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable
Energy, Denmark thanked JEEP for organizing the Workshop and for inviting him to
present the status of solar internationally. He said that Uganda has vast opportunities for
the development of solar energy because of its tropical location and lying astride the
equator so it receives abundant sunshine unlike the artic regions, he therefore urged JEEP
to become solar autonomous in lighting, heating and cooling for example Energy
Autonomy in Denmark thus combining Solar, Wind and Biomass for Power. (Marstal
District Heating).

Marstal district heating
He went on and said that solar energy is not only useful in rural areas but also in city and
urban areas where he pointed out solar and wind power in a city (Lighthouse Tower in
Dubai).

Solar and Wind Power in a City
Lighthouse Tower in Dubai
features:
- altitude: 400 meters
- three 29m diameter, 225 KW wind turbines
- 4000 PV panels
- completion: 2010
- low energy commercial building
- reduced energy consumption by up to 65%
- water consumption by up to 40%
He further noted that PV is world seller market however despite growth rates of 40%; the
PV- industry till 2009 could hardly satisfy the needs of the present five major markets of
the world. Shortage of supply keeps prices high. Intensified investment, research, and
competition are required.
National and international binding targets on climate and resources will increase demand
for renewable energy products. 47 countries have already adopted Germany’s law on
Feed-in electricity tariff model where he said that Germany is the world’s leading PV –
user with 41 % of the PV Installation Capacity (by end of 2007).

- Area: 2 km 2
- Number: 550,000
thin film panels
- Capacity: 40 MWp
- Production:
40.000MWh
- Can supply
10,000 homes
(by 2009)
Photovoltaic Power plant in Waldpolenz, Germany
Source: Green-Planet-Solar-Energy.com
Picture: http://www.solarserver.de/solarmagazin/anlage.html
He went on and said that when the PV market is changed to buyers market the small
producers will disappear from the market due to decline in prices therefore we need
financial services similar to those in conventional power. He further speculated that by
2030 the prices will have reduced by half of the original prices.
He finally concluded by saying that on 26/ January/ 2009, the International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA) was founded by 75 states, Uganda inclusive with the following
objectives:
• promoting the large-scale adoption of renewable energy worldwide
• improving regulatory frameworks for renewable energy
• facilitating the transfer of renewable energy technology
• creating financial framework especially for developing countries
• network of institutions for training and capacity building
• reliable statistics and documentation for renewable energy

Representatives from Uganda
Mr Rugumayo, the Director for Energy Development who represented the Guest of
honour commended JEEP and CREEC for organising the workshop and thanked the
exhibitors for acknowledging the organiser’s invitation. He reminded participants that
they have surely been exposed to new solar appliances, acquired more knowledge and
exposed to the latest solar technologies around the globe. It was here that he commended
JEEP for all her efforts in solar energy. He said it was such initiatives that reduced the
burden on government. He called for collaborative efforts and other stake holders in the
government instead of criticizing the government.
He further said that the government of Uganda has developed a policy on Renewable
Energy, Solar Energy inclusive however he pointed out that there is need for private

sectors to work together to see this is a success since its more business minded than
government.
He concluded by urging the Private Sector to conduct more awareness raising and
capacity building.
Mr Kazungu Bob, Project Officer IT - Power gave the plenary session during which he
praised JEEP for its move from energy conservation to energy development. He
commended JEEP for its initiative in promoting solar energy in the rural areas of Uganda.
He however noted that additional sensitization and franchise are needed in conjunction
with collaboration to make solar energy development a reality.
OBJECTIVES OF THE WORKSHOP
To create awareness
To share our experience with other stakeholders in solar energy
To enhance the participation with JEEP’s solar committee representatives from the rural
communities through information sharing and networking
To show case the latest solar appliances on the market
WAY FORWARD
Dr. da Silva suggested that more solar training workshops should be organised to acquit
people with more knowledge.
He urged those already in the sector to design a syllabus for training in certified PV
installations.
He finally urged participants and the private sector to organise more awareness seminars,
networking and collaboration
CLOSING REMARKS
Preben Meagaard, Director of the Nordic Folkecenter for Renewable Energy closed the
workshop by urging JEEP to cultivate Mali Folkecenter contacts further despite their
failure to attend the workshop. He went on and urged those who had gained training skills

in PV installation to use their knowledge profitably as it’s an expensive venture to
acquire such skills.
He further added that there is more need to network with universities, keep sourcing new
information, keep in contact with old collaborators and look out for new ones and expand
the project further.
APPENDIX i
LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
GOVERNMENT
Achola .G – Ministry of Energy
Azuba Margaret- KCC
Hon David .Ebong – Member of Parliament APAC District
Kazibwe .J – Ministry of Energy
Mr. Rugumayo – Guest of Honour
Mr. Wafula Wilson- Ministry of Energy
Proscovia J.N - UNBS
Wanyana W – MAAIF
RESEARCH ORGANISATIONS
Dr. Da Silva-CREEC
Dr. Micheal Duer- ASARECA
Karsten Bechtel – Project Officer Renewable Energy - CREEC
Kasirye .E - CREEC
Naganga .B - CREEC
Richard .M – CREEC
NGO’S (International + local)
Andrew Charles - SNF
Bill farmer – Uganda Carbon Bureau
Bitamba .J – URDT
Bob Kazungu – IT- Power
Catherine Gimbo - MCSF
Dr. Preben Maegaard - Nordic Folkecenter Denmark
Eng. Peter Balimunsi - NWSC
Fred .K – SCC-VI Eastern Africa
Fronz. E – Solar Construct
Isma Musa – Solar Consult
Jonathan .K – Straight Talk Foundation
Joseph. M – Solar Construct

Joshua Burkhart
Kagimu Isaac – SEU
Kairu .G –Eco-Trust
Kaketo .J –Energy Network
Kasirye - Ultratec
Katerega – Kelmo Clean Energies
Kiza .J – Karamadeg
Mr Harry Nilsen – African Alternative Energy Solution
Lene Hogh Danish Solar Project Volunteer
Muwawa .R – Strait Talk Foundation
Nammanda D - MCSF
Obua Easter – Consumer Education Trust
Paul .H - Base Technology
Sekandi .D – Solar Energy Uganda
Semwanga Margaret – KELP -KCC
Solet .B – Base Technology
Sseganyi William – SEU
Suzan .A – Energy Institute of Uganda
Victor .T – URDT
JEEP BOARD MEMBERS
Dr.Bawubya Maria – Deputy Chairperson
Mr Walulya Mukasa – Board Chairperson
Mr. Kibuka . E.M - Treasurer
STAFF
Andrew Kibuuka – Information Officer
Charles Lwanga – Field Officer (Luwero)
Confrio Nsubuga – Field Officer (Luwero)
Eng. James Kakusiya – Project Engineer
Eryc Mugabi – Community Sensitization
Esau Mugabi – Accountant
Ema Okecho – Field Officer Tororo
Kevine Ssebina – Training Officer
Kisakye Ruth - Technician
Moses Kuteesa – Driver / Technician
Ruth Kiwanuka – C.E.O
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
Ochola-CARITAS
INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES

Joseph Kirule- Renewable Energy Consultant- GTZ
Rossete – GTZ
Sickert .M – GTZ
LOCAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES
Jeep Community representatives from Arua – Mr. Santore
Jeep Community representatives from Luwero – Mr.Sande
Jeep Community representatives from Tororo – Mr. Okello
Local Authority Kyanja – Mr. Nsubuga
Local Authority P.D.C – Mr. Musisi .F
MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
Ambrose A
Andrew M
Ankunda P
Aricho D
Aroho S
Birunji J
Brian A
Businjye E
Dr. Mayanja M
Edi M
Elly Odong
Enock W
Epila A
Francis O
Irumba Richard
John Bosco O
John Kigozi
Katongole D – Gulu University
Kaziba J
Kazibwe S
Kisambira Abbas
Kivumbi G
Kizito David
Kizza M
Lufafa R
Lutakome W
Masereka E
Massembe E
Massinde J
Matovu J

Mugisha P
Mugumire B
Muhumuza H
Mujjuni F
Mukama R
Musanjje Easter
Musoke W – UCU
Muteegeki H
Muyindi P
Nalubega T
Nanjuma Nicolete
Olupot J
Paul Wanjoli
Peter B
Rwabutomeze Joseph
Semwogerere David
Ssali E
Ssekitto Daniel
Ssenyoga M
Ssepaka G – Mengo primary school
Ssonko J
Tonny K
Vincent M
Wessonga N
Wozei E
MEDIA
Eunice R – Monitor news paper
Fred O – New vision
Simon M – Weekly observer

APPENDIX ii
PROGRAM
DATE/TIME ACTIVITY RESPONSIBLE PERSON
19 Feb/2009
Registration Eryc MugabI .K
8:30 – 8:55
JEEP
19. Feb/2009
Opening remarks Dr. Izrael Pereira da silva
9:00
Director CREEC
9:05 Official opening Mr. Mubiru Paul
Directory for Energy and
Mineral Development
9:30 – 9:50 Presentation on an over Ruth .N. Kiwanuka (C.E.O)
view of solar projects JEEP, Andrew Kibuka and
implementation, success
and challenges
Eng.James JEEP
9:50 – 10:10 Presentation on solar energy
Sunday
in rural communities the
Santore
case of JEEP’s Solar
projects
Emma
10:10 -10:30 Presentation on the role of
CREEC in promoting solar
energy in Uganda
Dr. Izrael Pereira da Silva
10:30 – 11:20 Health break, drama and
exhibition tour
Philip luswata
11:20 – 12:10 The role of solar companies BASE Technology
and Banks in promoting
solar energy usage
And Global Trust Bank
12:00 – 12:20 Solar cell status Dr. Maegaard Preben
internationally the Director Folkecenter for
possibilities of solar Renewable Energy
electricity for Uganda
Denmark
12:20 - 12:40 Presentation on how solar Dr. Ibrahim Togola
can improve the quality of
life in rural households
Director of Malifolkecenter
12:40 – 1:20pm Plenary session
1:30 – 2:30 Lunch
2:30 – 3:30 Way forward Dr. da Silva and JEEP
3:30 – 4:00 Closing remarks Dr. Maegaard Preben