{"id":2364,"date":"2024-02-06T02:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T02:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/?post_type=blog&#038;p=2364"},"modified":"2025-03-27T22:36:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T22:36:20","slug":"meet-the-pioneering-entrepreneurs-bringing-clean-energy-to-rural-uganda","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/blog\/meet-the-pioneering-entrepreneurs-bringing-clean-energy-to-rural-uganda\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the pioneering entrepreneurs bringing clean energy to rural Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n    section#text-columns-block_0c6c36a6ba284e96684d1cc070a37075{}<\/style>\n\n  \n  <section id=\"text-columns-block_0c6c36a6ba284e96684d1cc070a37075\"\n    class=\"block-text-columns py-7 py-md-8\"\n    style=\" \">\n\n\n    \n\n    <div class=\"section-bd\">\n      <div class=\"container\">\n\n                                            <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5\">\n\n                \n                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-2 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"box\">\n\n                        <div class=\"box-bd\">\n                          <article>\n                            <p>In Uganda, only 19% of rural communities have access to electricity, and less than 2% enjoy modern cooking facilities. Instead of leaning into fossil fuels, these communities have an opportunity to leapfrog to safe clean energy.<\/p>\n<p>New Energy Nexus has championed clean energy entrepreneurs longer than any other accelerator in Uganda. ENVenture, a program run by New Energy Nexus Uganda, has significantly contributed to addressing the energy access gap in off-grid communities.<\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"box\">\n\n                        <div class=\"box-bd\">\n                          <article>\n                            <p><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">In Uganda, we\u2019re empowering hundreds of <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Community Based Organizations (CBOs)<\/span> through financial support, skill development, and innovative mobile technology solutions. <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Since 2016 we\u2019ve supported:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">190+ <\/span><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Community Based Organizations and VSLAs<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">benefiting<\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">127,000<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">people<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">creating<\/span> <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">1,000+<\/span>\u00a0<span style=\"color: #000000;\">jobs<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #000000;\">and saving income of\u00a0 <span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">US$4 million.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                              \n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<style>\n    section#paragraph-block_9708272d397731a169668d3181be820a{}<\/style>\n\n  <style>\n    section#paragraph-block_9708272d397731a169668d3181be820a{}<\/style>\n  <section id=\"paragraph-block_9708272d397731a169668d3181be820a\" class=\"paragraph block-paragraph \" style=\" \">\n\n\n          <div class=\"section-hd\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n          <article>\n            <p>These last-mile communities form an integral part of our global network of clean energy entrepreneurs, working towards achieving 100% clean energy for 100% of the population. Our mission also includes reducing the depletion of Uganda&#8217;s forest cover, which has decreased at a rate of 13% since 2000. This is achieved by supporting last-mile energy entrepreneurs who promote the adoption of various clean cooking technologies.<\/p>\n<p>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/news\/new-energy-nexus-uganda-wins-global-climate-prize-at-cop26-climate-summit\/\">award-winning model<\/a> harnesses the untapped power of <strong>Community Based Organizations (CBOs)<\/strong> and <strong>Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs)<\/strong> to incubate clean energy entrepreneurs. These CBOs provide many essential services \u2013 supporting better health, education, sanitation and work for local people. Since we started operating in Uganda in 2016, we learned very quickly that these organizations have the networks, trust, and community reputation to bring new technologies, such as solar lighting, water filters, briquettes and clean energy cookstoves to rural villages.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">Hundreds of entrepreneurs are part of the quiet clean energy transition taking place in Uganda\u2019s last-mile and refugee communities. Let&#8217;s meet some of them&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n          <\/article>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    \n\n    <div class=\"section-bd\">\n      <div class=\"container\">\n\n        <article class=\"mx-auto\" style=\"max-width: px;\">\n                  <\/article>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<style>\n    section#text-columns-block_aba9ef979c4bf2b30d44de3b94a895c9{}<\/style>\n\n  \n  <section id=\"text-columns-block_aba9ef979c4bf2b30d44de3b94a895c9\"\n    class=\"block-text-columns py-7 py-md-8\"\n    style=\" \">\n\n\n    \n\n    <div class=\"section-bd\">\n      <div class=\"container\">\n\n                                            <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p><strong>Beatrice Kitaliraba<\/strong> is an enthusiastic shopkeeper hired by Utopia, a Community-Based Organization(CBO) in Kyenjojo. Beatrice educates potential customers how solar lamps can be beneficial for their businesses.<\/p>\n<p>Utopia, backed by an energy startup loan from our ENVenture program, aims to enhance access to affordable clean energy products in their communities. The CBO is actively promoting the adoption of these products, particularly to extend working hours for rural women entrepreneurs who rely on affordable lighting for their businesses. Utopia&#8217;s clean energy store offers a range of products, including solar lanterns and improved cookstoves.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2741 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-69-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-69-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-69-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-69-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-69-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                                                <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p>Meet <strong>David Kamoomo<\/strong>, a 46-year-old entrepreneur who runs a poultry business in Nsinde. In the past, he faced challenges in providing adequate light for his birds, resorting to kerosene lamps, flashlights, and candles as the only available options. Recognizing the potential dangers and high costs associated with these methods, David sought an alternative solution.<\/p>\n<p>Kitara Community Seed Bank, one of our entrepreneurial partners, offered David a solar loan product. This alternative not only addressed the safety concerns but also proved to be a cost-effective and sustainable solution for illuminating his poultry house. David, now equipped with solar-powered lighting, has experienced significant energy savings, allowing him to reinvest in and expand his poultry business.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2740 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-55-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-55-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-55-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-55-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-55-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                                                <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p>Meet <strong>Karungi Annet<\/strong>, a 36-year-old homemaker and mother of three, demonstrating the use of a Lorena stove. Trained by Utopia, a startup from our ENVenture program, Karungi was inspired by the success of their cookstove business. Responding to numerous requests from the community for an alternative cookstove suitable for preparing local dishes, Utopia introduced this improved traditional outdoor cookstove. Efficient and safe, it aims to address the specific cooking needs of the community.<\/p>\n<p>Karungi attests to the positive impact, noting a reduction in her cooking time and experiencing less coughing compared to when she used her traditional three-stone cookstove.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2738 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-7-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-7-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-7-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-7-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-7-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                                                <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p>In Kyenjojo, <strong>Kizia Janet<\/strong> stands out as a local entrepreneur, catalyzing positive change through her flourishing solar business that specializes in solar lanterns and panels. Utopia provided essential support for her solar venture. Kizia embodies the impactful collaboration between local entrepreneurs and Community-Based Organizations. The solar products she offers serve as a clean and sustainable energy source, reducing reliance on traditional, environmentally harmful alternatives and elevating the overall quality of life for residents.<\/p>\n<p>Well-lit homes, students studying after sunset, and businesses extending their operating hours are just a few of the tangible benefits. Moreover, Kizia&#8217;s solar business contributes to local economic empowerment by not only generating income but also fostering financial resilience within the community.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2739 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-10-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-10-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-10-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-10-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-10-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                                                <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p><strong>What energy access looks like in off-grid communities.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Meet\u00a0<strong>John Male<\/strong>\u00a0at his rural home, where he utilizes solar power to illuminate his living space. The lanterns he proudly owns were purchased from Utopia, a beneficiary of our ENVenture program in Nsinde, Kyenjojo, Uganda. In this photo, you can see John Male tending to his small farm at his rural home in Nsinde. In the background, a solar panel can be spotted on his roof.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2737 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-3-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-3-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-3-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-3-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Kyenjonjo-3-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                                                <!-- data-reveal -->\n              <div class=\"box mb-5 mb-lg-6\">\n                                <div class=\"box-bd\">\n\n                  <div class=\"row row-cols-1 row-cols-lg-1 g-5 g-lg-6\">\n\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                      <div class=\"item\"\n                        style=\"\">\n\n                        <div class=\"item-bd\">\n                          <article class=\"mx-auto\"\n                            style=\"\">\n                            <p><strong>Christine Kimera<\/strong>\u00a0uses the improved cookstove from Safeplan Uganda for her meals. She highlights the stove\u2019s speed and efficiency, noting a significant reduction in the use of firewood. Christine also utilizes a solar lamp from Safe Plan Uganda to read the Bible to her grandchild in Katagurukwa, Masindi, Uganda. Her commitment to clean cooking and sustainable lighting reflects her dedication to a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-2742 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Masindi-51-960x640-1-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Masindi-51-960x640-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Masindi-51-960x640-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Masindi-51-960x640-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Masindi-51-960x640-1.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n                          <\/article>\n                        <\/div>\n\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n\n                  <\/div>\n\n                <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n\n\n\n                              \n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    \n\n  <\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<style>\n    section#paragraph-block_db1a22805de0d6ccb212a061cb63383a{}<\/style>\n\n  <style>\n    section#paragraph-block_db1a22805de0d6ccb212a061cb63383a{}<\/style>\n  <section id=\"paragraph-block_db1a22805de0d6ccb212a061cb63383a\" class=\"paragraph block-paragraph \" style=\" \">\n\n\n    \n\n    <div class=\"section-bd\">\n      <div class=\"container\">\n\n        <article class=\"mx-auto\" style=\"max-width: px;\">\n          <p>New Energy Nexus is proud to be backing these entrepreneurs. Through affordable loan terms and hands-on support from our expert team on the ground, these entrepreneurs have successfully expanded their businesses, created jobs, boosted their income, and contributed to Uganda&#8217;s transition to clean energy.<\/p>\n<p>Join us in bringing clean energy technologies to the heart of last mile communities. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/\">https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n        <\/article>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n  <\/section>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":2371,"template":"","new_tag":[9,6,7],"class_list":["post-2364","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","new_tag-story","new_tag-uganda","new_tag-energy-access"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/2364","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2364"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"new_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newenergynexus.com\/uganda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/new_tag?post=2364"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}