Germany’s international cooperation arm and Sendea, a programme of the Stiftung Solarenergie (Germany) a network of like-minded local solar companies, have called for wider access, affordability and integrity if the renewable energy sub sector is to thrive.
This was highlighted at a meeting of key actors within Uganda’s renewable energy sector, in Kampala, convened by the solar service providers under Sendea Uganda.
Lisa Hofheinz from GIZ said as development partners in the renewable energy sector actors need to be mindful of opportunities in the off grid sector energy sector including focusing on PV Solar, keeping up to speed with data management, new technologies which are essential for work force in Uganda, and dealing with the challenges ahead.
“Capacity building in the renewable energy sector is very important. For it to contribute significantly to Uganda’s sustainable development, it has to be owned locally. And this has to do with supporting local SMEs, skilling technicians and ensuring that the demand and supply side of the market can sustain themselves,” said Hofheinz
Johnson Turyamwesiimira, the Head of Assessment at the Directorate of Industrial Training told stakeholders to make sure that occupational standards are observed.
He said we need to assess and certify technicians in the sector.
“For the kamyufus (informal technicians) in grid power, such as Umeme (electricity) technicians, we are already assessing them in partnership with the private sector foundation.
Gonna Waiswa, a trainee from Sendea Academy said he can now install a solar system, a security solar light, a street light with motion and light sensors on hospitals and many more facilities.