Project Details

Increasing sustainable access to clean energy services for rural households and institutions in Kasese District.

Access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy remains a major challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural communities where millions of households still depend on firewood, charcoal, kerosene, and candles for cooking and lighting. According to national energy trends, the majority of rural households continue to rely on biomass energy, contributing to rapid deforestation, environmental degradation, indoor air pollution, and poor household health outcomes. In regions such as Rwenzori, limited access to electricity has continued to affect education, household safety, small businesses, and overall community productivity. Women and children are often forced to walk long distances in search of firewood, while children in off-grid households struggle to study effectively at night due to poor lighting conditions. These challenges continue to deepen poverty and limit opportunities for sustainable livelihoods among vulnerable rural households.

In response, CODEA implemented the Solar for Better Life Project to promote access to clean, affordable, and sustainable solar energy solutions among vulnerable communities in the Rwenzori region. The project strengthened community awareness on renewable energy and environmental conservation while promoting adoption of solar technologies to improve household lighting, safety, education, and livelihoods. Through community sensitization, capacity building, and support for clean energy alternatives, households were able to reduce dependence on kerosene and biomass energy, lower energy-related costs, improve indoor living conditions, while in the long run strengthens environmental stewardship. The project further contributed to improved resilience, and better wellbeing for vulnerable families living in underserved rural communities. The efforts and partnerships are still needed to expand access to clean energy technologies and accelerate the transition toward sustainable and climate-resilient livelihoods.