Business 14 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
15 Northern Uganda Food Processors to Receive Shs600m Grants for Clean Energy Tech
Fifteen food processing businesses in northern Uganda will benefit from Shs600 million in partial grants to adopt renewable energy and efficient technologies, tackling high upfront costs. The initiative, led by GIZ Uganda, the Ministry of Energy, and UIBFS, targets SMEs in Lango, Acholi, and West Nile sub-regions to boost productivity and cut expenses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/farming/15-food-processors-to-benefit-from-shs600-million-grants-5390616
Fifteen food processing enterprises in northern Uganda stand to gain from a Shs600 million partial grant scheme designed to fund renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. This support aims to reduce production costs and enhance productivity amid challenges like unreliable electricity.
The program results from a collaboration between GIZ Uganda, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services (UIBFS). UIBFS CEO Goretti Masadde explained that it forms part of the Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme, focusing on SMEs in areas with costly power supplies.
Selected processors can receive up to 50% grant coverage for investments, capped at Shs50 million per business, with the balance covered by loans or own funds. The pilot targets at least 30 SMEs across Lango, Acholi, and West Nile, prioritizing food processors due to their high energy needs for processing, storage, and preservation.
Eligible technologies include solar PV systems (1.5-50kW), solar water heaters, dryers, LED lighting, capacitor banks, and efficient industrial gear like motors, pumps, and refrigeration units. Ms Masadde highlighted that high initial costs deter many firms from upgrading, despite recognizing the long-term benefits.
Easter Phiona Atek from the Ministry of Energy emphasized productive energy use, noting the goal is to enable businesses to generate income and sustain operations. She pointed out that many SMEs lack awareness of efficient equipment options, and the project helps them manage energy better to avoid shutdowns.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)