MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINERAL DEVELOPMENT

SPEECH BY

HON. OKAASAI SIDRONIUS OPOLOT

MINISTER OF STATE FOR ENERGY

AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA) HIGH LEVEL MISSION IN UGANDA

SHERATON HOTEL, KAMPALA
4TH MAY 2026

Honourable Minister from The Gambia,
Director General of the International Solar Alliance,
Honourable Ministers and Delegates from ISA Member Countries,
Vice Chancellor, Busitema University,
Distinguished Development Partners,
Private Sector Representatives,
Members of the Media,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

1. It is my distinct honour and pleasure to officiate at the opening of this High-Level Mission of the International Solar Alliance here in Uganda.

2. This mission brings together governments, development partners, private sector actors, and technical experts from across Africa and beyond under a shared commitment, to accelerate the deployment of solar energy as a driver of sustainable development.

3. I warmly welcome our distinguished delegations from Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and The Gambia, and I commend ISA for convening this important platform for peer learning, partnership, and practical action.

4. Ladies and Gentlemen, Uganda is implementing an ambitious national transformation agenda anchored in Vision 2040 and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

5. At the core of this agenda is the Tenfold Growth Strategy, through which Government aims to grow the economy tenfold, from approximately USD 50 billion to USD 500 billion by 2040.

6. This transformation is being driven through the ATMS framework which includes; Agro-industrialisation, Tourism development, Mineral-based industrialisation, and Science, Technology and Innovation.

7. Energy, reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, is the backbone that enables all these sectors to grow. This is why the Sustainable Energy Development Programme under NDP IV prioritises diversification of the energy mix, including scaling up renewable energy solutions such as solar.

8. Solar energy is not just an environmental solution, it is an economic enabler. Through solar technologies, we are: powering irrigation systems to boost agricultural productivity, supporting agro-processing and cold storage, expanding electricity access in off-grid and underserved communities, enabling clean mobility and reducing urban emissions, and driving innovation, enterprise development, and job creation.

9. Solar energy directly supports productive use of energy, which is central to Uganda’s industrialisation and rural transformation agenda.

10. Uganda’s partnership with the International Solar Alliance has been deliberate and forward-looking. Our cooperation has focused on key priority areas, including: capacity building for national institutions, development of frameworks for mini-grid power purchase agreements, solar resource mapping for investment planning, advancement of e-mobility programmes, establishment of a Solar National Support Unit, and sustainable solar waste management systems.

11. I am pleased to inform you that today, these engagements will be formalised through the signing of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). The CPF represents a critical shift: From policy to implementation, from commitments to bankable projects, and from isolated initiatives to coordinated national programmes.

12. It provides a structured and results-oriented framework that aligns international support with Uganda’s national priorities. Through this framework, Uganda will:
• Unlock access to global solar financing and blended finance instruments,
• De-risk investments and attract private sector participation,
• Strengthen institutional and technical capacity,
• Accelerate deployment of scalable solar solutions.

13. During this mission, we will also launch the Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Busitema University. This is a strategic milestone. The Centre will enable us achieve the following:
• Build a pipeline of skilled technicians and engineers,
• Support applied research and innovation in solar technologies,
• Serve as a regional hub for clean energy solutions.

14. This aligns directly with our national focus on Science, Technology and Innovation as a key driver of economic growth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

15. Under the leadership of H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda, Government has consistently prioritised expanding access to modern energy, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. This is because energy access is directly linked to: Wealth creation, Job creation, Improved health and education outcomes, and overall socio-economic transformation.

16. Our commitment to renewable energy, including solar, is therefore both strategic and deliberate.

17. Over the next three days, this mission will focus on: developing an investable pipeline of solar projects, addressing financing opportunities and constraints, particularly in solarising agriculture value chains, engaging stakeholders on continental initiatives such as “Solarising Africa”, and conducting field visits to solar water pumping systems in Luweero, Nakasongola, and Kiryandongo. These engagements ensure that our discussions remain grounded in practical delivery and real impact.

18. We expect this mission to deliver: a clearly defined implementation roadmap, identification of priority investment-ready projects, strengthened partnerships with development partners and investors, and concrete commitments on capacity building and technology transfer.

19. Our distinguished guests, the ISA High-Level Mission is not just a meeting, it is a catalyst. A catalyst for: investment, innovation, implementation, and impact.

20. Uganda stands ready to work with ISA and all partners to translate this opportunity into tangible results that improve lives and drive economic transformation.

21. On behalf of the Government of Uganda, particularly the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, I extend my sincere appreciation to: The International Solar Alliance, our development partners, Busitema University, the Ministry team, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the success of this mission.

22. I now declare the International Solar Alliance High-Level Mission in Uganda officially open. I thank you for your attendance and attention.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

ISA High-Level Mission – Uganda | Accelerating solar energy deployment for sustainable development, investment, and economic transformation.