This presentation was prepared and delivered during the National Stakeholder’s Dialogue on Biomass Energy organized by the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Environmental Alert, SNV, WWF-UCO, UNCDF as part of the several engagements of the Energy week 2019. It’s a platform for information sharing and exchange among key stakeholders in the sector with a purpose of appreciating emerging issues and together identifying practical actions for addressing these issues.

1. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
The Role of civil society organizations in the
promotion of sustainable Biomass utilization in
Uganda.
Prepared and presented by Dr. Joshua Zake (Ph.D),
Executive Director, Environmental Alert – during the National Biomass
Energy Dialogue, 2019 at Hotel Africana – 27th September 2019.
Email: ed@envalert.org /joszake@gmail.com; Telephone: +256-
414510547 or +256-7723057488
Website: http://www.envalert.org

2. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Presentation Outline
A) Status of biomass in Uganda---key statistical highlights;
B) The Role of CSOs in sustainable Biomass utilization Role of CSOs;
C) Key achievements by CSOs towards promoting sustainable biomass utilization;
D) Key emerging issues (challenges and opportunities) for effective delivery of the CSO's role in
promoting biomass energy;
E) Lessons learnt
F) Key recommendations for advancing effective delivery of the CSO's role in promoting biomass
energy;
G) Conclusion
H) Acknowledgements
I) About the Renewable Energy CSO Network include the vision and mission of the network;
J) About Environmental Alert.

3. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
A) Status of biomass in Uganda---key statistical highlights
 Forests and woody crops are a source of energy through the conversion of woody biomass into solid, liquid or gaseous
fuels to provide energy for industrial, commercial or domestic use.
 The Energy sector is dominated by biomass that contributes nearly 90% of the total primary energy consumed (MEMD,
2019)
 Furthermore, the energy demand is growing between 10-15% posing more stress on the biomass resource partly as a
result of the growing population currently which is estimated at about 42 million and with an annual growth rate of about
3.2%. It’s projected to reach 93.4 million in the next 30 years (UBOS, 2017).
 The high demand for fuel wood and charcoal is a key contributor to the current escalating deforestation and forest
degradation, currently estimated at about 250,000 Ha lost per year (Ministry of Water and Environment, 2016).
 Uganda’s forest cover status has followed a drastic negative trend during the last 30 years. Thus, it reduced from 24 to 9%
of the total land area in 1990 and 2015.
 There is inadequate supply of biomass in medium and long term coupled with unsustainable production, yet biomass
energy will still be a major source of energy given the increasing demands for energy by the growing population –
currently at 40+ million people.
 Sustainable production of biomass energy is among the practical solutions to deal with this challenge. This is already
stipulated in the National REDD+ strategy as strategic option 2 on, sustainable fuelwood and commercial charcoal
production among the strategic options for addressing the drivers of deforestation and forest degradation (Ministry of
Water and Environment, 2017);

4. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
 CSOs refer to Civil Society Organizations, which are formed towards achievement of specific vision and
mission statements and objectives.
 CSOs could be Community Based Organizations, Non Government Organizations, Faith Based Organizations,
Professional Networks & Associations among others.
 They can be local, national and international based CSOs.
 They are registered and regulated by the Government through the National NGO Bureau under the Ministry
of Internal affaires. Also at the community level registered by the District Local Governments through the
Community Development Office.
 They are regulated under the NGO policy, 2010 and NGO Act, 2016.
 Thus, the Government issues CSOs licenses of operation for 1, 3, 4 and 5 years. These are renewed based on
the extent to which the CSOs have delivered on their mandates as stipulated in the policy and law.
B) The Role of CSOs in sustainable Biomass utilization

5. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
 CSO's role is derived from the legal and policy framework such as the constitution which stipulates CSOs to
play a watch dog role. Thus, conduct value adding policy, lobbying and advocacy to review/appraise
Government performance in respect to commitments as stipulated in policies, programs, approved plans.
 CSOs should compliment the implementation of Government plans and programs in value adding
partnership/collaboration at different levels (village, sub county, local, national and international) through
awareness creation, capacity building, action research, policy engagement;
 Based on this and from their experiences, lessons learnt, information and facts, CSOs provide/suggest
alternative policy and practice recommendations to Government for consideration in rolling implementation
of Government policies and programs at different levels (local and national).
B) The Role of CSOs in sustainable Biomass utilization

6. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
a. Advancing structured and targeted Issue & evidence-based policy engagement to influence
policy formulation and implementation at the national and local levels on sustainable biomass
utilization;
b. Targeted Issue based research and modeling best practices in renewable energy. The lessons and
experiences generated are used to inform lobbying and advocacy at local and national levels;
c. Issue based awareness creation on modern bio energy solutions such as improved cook stoves and
carbonised briquettes; ,..…);
d. Targeted technical capacity building and can act as a trusted intermediary between communities,
government agencies, private sector and energy users on the ground, as well as having expertise in designing
and delivering energy services, particularly for poor and vulnerable groups;
e. Provide for structured enhancement of the knowledge and skills for the local communities and Community
Based Organizations in the biomass energy sub sector to engage effectively at the local and national levels;
f. Advancing structured collaboration/partnership with strategic partners which can be guided
through Partnership agreements like Memorandum of Understanding to promote sustainable utilization of
biomass
B) The Role of CSOs in sustainable Biomass utilization

7. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
i) The Renewable Energy CSO Network was formerly established as a semi-formal network and plans are underway for
organizing of the 1st Annual General Meeting for the network on 30th October 2019, during which the following will be done:
*Memorandum of principles approved; *steering committee will be elected & approved; *strategic plan will be approved.
ii) Developed and submitted a CSOs and Networks Position paper on the Renewable Energy Policy (2007) for Uganda with
recommendations for consideration by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development - http://envalert.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/08/Renewable-Energy-CSOs-Position-Renewable-Energy-Policy-Review-30July2019.pdf ;
iii) Developed the renewable energy CSO and Networks advocacy strategy currently used in informing advocacy
engagements in policy development and implementation in respect to biomass promotion -
https://www.slideshare.net/ENVIRONMENTALALERTEA1/2advocacy-strategy-for-renewable-energy-csos-networks-june-2018
);
iv) Developed the Consolidated Renewable Energy CSOs and Networks Annual Performance Report, FY 2017/18 and
Position Paper, FY 2017/18. This depicted the CSOs financial contribution to the sector, key emerging issues and
recommendations for consideration by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development - http://envalert.org/wp-
content/uploads/2019/03/RECSO-Consolidated-Annual-Performance-Report-14Feb2019.pdf ;
C) Key achievements by CSOs towards promoting
sustainable biomass utilization;

8. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
C) Key achievements by CSOs towards promoting
sustainable biomass utilization;
v) Several studies conducted, thus generating evidence/facts for use in structured policy engagements with duty
bearers. Some of the studies are:
 study on the current financing and investment in the energy sector in Uganda;
 Unlocking Financing and Investments for Clean and Renewable Energy Access in Uganda: A Case of the Albertine
Region (available at: http://envalert.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Energy-Financing_Report-final-
BUILT.130619pdf.pdf )
vi) The Renewable Energy CSO Network is getting recognition from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral
Development and other stakeholders. Thus, this is based on the contribution of issues and alternative
recommendations as detailed in the CSO position paper on the Renewable energy (2007) for consideration in the
policy review.
vii) Increased recognition and request by duty bearers for the network’s input/contribution in various policy making
processes (e.g. Input into energy policy review and planning process --- i.e. the Regulatory Impact Assessment for
the Energy policy; and the Energy sector strategic development plan.

9. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Key challenges
i) Limited financing and investment towards off-grid and efficient energy sources to ensure energy mix by
investing in all forms such as solar, geothermal, biogas, efficient biomass systems among others. GoU majorly
focusses on on-grid large-scale hydroelectricity projects;
ii) Limited access to affordable micro credit facilities for private sector investment in Renewable energy;
iii) Weak institutional capacity at the local government level to provide technical guidance and extension of
energy issues at local and community levels. Thus, apparently there are energy focal persons at the local
government level and no budget allocation for clean and renewable energy access;
iv) Weak coordination in energy research, development and technology transfer;
v) Limited knowledge of renewable energy technologies (such as solar and efficient cook stove) about their use
and applicability;

10. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Key challenges
vi) Weak/inadequate coordination of different players and stakeholders leading to overlapping interventions
vii) Quality issues and consumer protection. Several renewable energy products and services still lack
standards;
viii) Unsustainable use of biomass. Currently over 93% of the population still depends on biomass and this still
affects the forest cover. Need to think through targets for shifting/transiting the population from dependence
on biomass to other renewable energy alternatives!
vix) Weak regulation of the biomass energy production and use there by compromising the effectiveness and
efficiency of the resource.
x) Inadequate coordination, outreach (to other parts of the country), varied knowledge and skills of the
Renewable energy CSO network and its members across the country.

11. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
D) Key emerging (challenges & opportunities) issues for effective
delivery of the CSO's role in promoting biomass energy
Opportunities
1. The on going energy and forestry policies review processes present an opportunity to engage and suggest
alternative policy recommendation;
2. The ongoing review/development of development plans i.e. energy sector strategic plan and the National
development plan III;
3. The establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change is a platform/structure for more
targeted and structured presentation of climate change issues including the potential for clean renewable energy
in advancing adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts.

12. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
E) Lessons learnt/best practices for Civil society
engagements
i) It is easier to engage with the duty bearers and other stakeholders on key issues using evidence based
advocacy as an approach. For example, Environmental Alert presented a CSO position paper on the review of
the renewable energy policy during a stakeholders meeting in Kasese. The paper was well received by the
ministry;
ii) Collaborating with other like minded stakeholders creates opportunities to engage in other spaces to
influence decisions on Renewable energy issues. This helps in pulling resources (both technical & financial) for
effective engagement policy engagement.
For example Environmental Alert (on behalf of the renewable energy CSO network) in collaboration with Civil
Society Budget Advocacy Group developed a CSO position paper on the Energy and Mineral Development
sector budget FY 2019/20 was presented to the parliamentary Natural resources committee for consideration.

13. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
F) key recommendations for advancing effective delivery of the
CSO's role in promoting biomass energy.
1) Support form the development partners in implementation of the biomass energy programs;
2) Active participation and involvement of CSOs in the national policy formulation and
implementation for value addition by providing alternative recommendations based on information &
facts;
3) Provide consistent opportunities for CSOs to participate in energy gap assessments conducted by
the ministry;
4) Enhance the capacity of CSOs to promote in conducting advocacy engagements;
5) Conduct action research for issue/fact based advocacy;
6) Enhanced information sharing and exchange on biomass energy;
7) Advance partnership and collaboration with strategic partners (Government Ministries,
Departments & Authorities; Local Government, Development Partners; Private Sector, CSO Networks,
Academia; Religious & Cultural Institutions;…) in the sector for purpose of pooling resources and
tapping into synergies based on the varied mandates & competencies.

14. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
G) Conclusion
With the effective coordination and requisite institutional capacity, the CSOs can add value
to Government efforts and interventions towards promoting sustainable biomass utilization in
Uganda.
This is through their role of lobbying and advocacy, independent monitoring, awareness and
training.
The CSOs achievements and lessons learnt to date along the path of promoting sustainable
biomass utilization should be consolidated to contribute towards addressing the emerging
issues in the energy sector.

15. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
H) Acknowledgement
Key partners that have enabled/promoted this CSOs participation
1) World Wide Fund for Nature-Uganda country office, with financial support from Norwegian Agency for
Development Cooperation (NORAD) under the project titled, ‘increasing access to sustainable and renewable
energy alternatives in the Albertine Graben.’
2) Engagement opportunities with relevant Ministries, Authorities and Departments e.g. Ministry of Energy
and Mineral Development; Ministry of Water and Environment;..
3) District Local Governments in the Albertine Rift;
4) Members of the Renewable Energy CSO Network

16. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
I) About the Renewable energy CSO Network
The Renewable Energy CSO Network is a loose semi-formal Network that brings together civil society organizations, academic
institutions, individuals and Networks engaged in the promotion and development of activities and practices in the Renewable
energy sub sector at all levels (i.e. national, local, sub-regional and community).
Vision is “Well developed and managed Renewable energy resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.”
Mission is ‘To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy alternatives for efficient, clean
cooking and lighting in Uganda through collaboration, education, training, and advocacy’.
Objectives of the Network
a. To advocate for promotion, compliance and accountability of government with respect to its policy commitments and
private sector activities;
b. To ensure that individuals, institutions, CSOs and Networks engaged in Renewable energy progressively develop capacity
in policy analysis, advocacy and independent monitoring;
c. To engage in policy lobbying for conducive policy environment for renewable energy access and sustainable utilization.

17. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
I) About the Renewable energy CSO Network
Scale of Network outreach
 Currently, the Network has a total of 36 profiled CSOs and Networks at national level and 90 NGOs and CBOs are
engaging at the sub-regional level across 20 districts in the Albertine Rift including: Kasese, Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Mitooma,
Rukingiri, Kabarole, Kisoro, Bundibugyo, Masindi, Hoima, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kyenjojo, Ntoroko, Arua, Nebbi, Koboko, Moyo,
Adjumani and Maracha districts.
NB: More potential members from other parts of the country are being mobilized/recruited.
The coordination at sub-regional level is through hubs sted by respective project partners detailed as follows:
- Hub 1 (Kasese District): Bushenyi, Rubirizi, Mitooma, Rukingiri, Kabarole, Kisoro and Bundibugyo – Kiima Foods ;
- Hub 2 (Masindi District): Hoima, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kyenjojo and Ntoroko –KCSON ;
- Hub 3 (Arua District): Nebbi, Koboko, Moyo, Adjumani and Maracha – Rice Westnile
The Network is currently hosted and coordinated by Environmental Alert

18. Mission
To promote increased access to and sustainable utilization of renewable energy
alternatives for efficient, clean cooking and lighting in Uganda through
collaboration, education, training, and advocacy.
Renewable Energy CSO Network
RECSO_NETWORK
Vision
Well developed and managed Renewable energy
resources for the benefit of all Ugandans.
J) About Environmental Alert
Environmental Alert was founded in 1988 and is officially registered Non Government
Organization with board. Thus, in 2018 – EA made 30 years of contribution to food security
and sustainable environment and natural resources management in Uganda.
Environmental Alert is a 1st prize winner of the Energy globe award for environmental
sustainability- 2005 under the category, earth.
Environmental Alert is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) and a Member of The IUCN National Committee for Uganda.
Environmental Alert envisions, ‘Resilient and dignified communities, managing their
environment and natural resources sustainably.’
Environmental Alert’s mission is to, ‘Contribute to improved livelihoods of vulnerable
communities by Enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainable natural resources
management.
Further information about Environmental Alert is available at: http://envalert.org/
Environmental Alert as a Secretariat mobilizes and coordinates 250 CSOs/CBOs for joint
action engagement at national and local levels through the various CSO Networks.
Environmental Alert hosts Secretariat for following
networks:
a)The Network for Civil Society Organizations in
Environment & Natural Resources Sector (ENR-CSO
Network) http://enr-cso.org/ ;
b)Uganda Forestry Working Group
http://ufwg.envalert.org/;
c)The Standards Development Group; and
d)Promoting Local Innovation in ecologically oriented
agriculture and natural resources management
(PROLINNOVA-Uganda Network)
http://www.prolinnova.net/uganda.
e)The Renewable Energy CSO network
• Thank you for listening, For God and My Country!