Stop Counting Panels, Start Counting Prosperity, Energy Ministry Tells Agri-Solar Sector

By Philip Onyango

 

 

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has challenged energy and agriculture stakeholders to stop measuring success by equipment installed.

 

Instead, the Ministry says success should be measured by prosperity created for farmers and rural communities.

 

Speaking at the 2026 Dream Partners Conference themed “Powering Productivity: Solarizing Agri-Food Systems for Sustainable Growth,” held at Protea Hotel in Kampala, Commissioner for Renewable Energy Dr. Brian E. Isabirye (Ph.D.) said that while the Ministry measures success by 2,100 megawatts of installed capacity, kilometres of grid connected and equipment distributed, that approach does not reflect the real needs on the ground.

 

“A farmer does not need a solar pump simply to own it, but needs to reduce losses, access water for production, earn an income and access premium markets,” Dr. Isabirye said. “Similarly, a cooperative does not need a solar-powered cold room merely to preserve produce, but needs to reduce losses, secure better prices and grow profitable businesses.”

 

He emphasized that electricity should not be looked at as a destination, but as a vehicle to prosperity measured not by the number of solar panels installed, but by hectares irrigated, agricultural productivity increased, jobs created, incomes improved and industries established.

 

Dr. Isabirye outlined what he called the new frontier of agri-solar, saying the future is beyond stand-alone solar pumps. He described agricultural zones where solar energy simultaneously powers irrigation, cold storage, processing, electric mobility and rural enterprises.

 

He called for agrivoltaic systems where the same land produces food and electricity, and for net-metering regulations that allow farmers to become not just consumers but producers of energy feeding power into the grid and tapping from it when solar is not available.

 

He also urged stakeholders to think beyond powering systems for one product, citing e-mobility and transport as anchor loads that could improve business models. The transformation that should be financed, he said, is not isolated technologies but entire agricultural value chains.

 

In his remarks, Heifer International Country Director William Matovu said the organisation’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. In its 44 years in Uganda, he said, Heifer has found renewable energy to be a key leverage and enabler for farmers and farmer organisations, alongside access to finance, technology, mechanisation and extension services.

 

According to Matovu, solar energy can strengthen food security. Where water sources are available, small solar irrigation kits can support production throughout the season, while cooling and drying preserve food that would otherwise spoil, helping farmers’ produce reach consumers in good condition.

 

Second, he said, it strengthens climate-resilient livelihoods. With Uganda just emerging from a very long dry season and projections pointing to an extended extreme rain season El Nino in the next six months, solar solutions can enable farmers to withstand extreme climate events and increase resilience.

 

Third, it can support rural economic growth. Agricultural energy services create opportunities for technicians, equipment suppliers, processors and entrepreneurs, he said, adding that a vibrant rural agriculture will drive rural economic growth.

 

In Uganda, Heifer’s solar milk chilling work has shown the importance of reliable energy at cooperative milk collection centres. It has led to lower energy costs and an end to milk spoilage previously caused by generator challenges. Solar solutions have also enabled communities to access water and productive solutions, including electric bikes, fridges, chaff cutters and sprayers.

 

Heifer has also worked on the support system that enables farmers and enterprises to adopt and sustain these solutions. With Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP), Kabaka Foundation and Bethany Land Institute, it has established demonstration centres for solar applications, including irrigation, drying and cold storage, allowing farmers and students to examine equipment, understand its uses and ask questions before investing.

 

With the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE), it has brought productive solar use into discussions on agricultural planning and budgeting for national and local governments, helping to shape public priorities and allocation of resources.

 

Enterprise Uganda has helped train more than 1,000 women and youth to exploit business opportunities in agriculture. Other key partners include commercial banks, cooperatives, local governments and private technology companies.