Pictorial Highlights: Energy and Minerals Week 2023 Concludes Amidst Challenges of Low Turnout.
- Nelly Salvatore
- Nov 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Uganda's commitment to sustainable energy development was once again evident during the recently held 19th Energy and Minerals Week, which took place from November 13 to 18, 2023. Themed "Energy and Minerals for Sustainable Growth," the event showcased a wide range of initiatives and technologies aimed at promoting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for the country.
This annual event serves as a platform to highlight Uganda's steadfast commitment to sustainable energy development. Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the German Government, GIZ, SNV, UNREEEA, and NREP, the week featured a series of events aimed at engaging the public and fostering sector-specific discussions.
The comprehensive series of events commenced at Akamwesi Mall in Kyebando, featuring a public exhibition and sector-specific engagements. Distinguished conferences like the Energy Efficiency and E-Mobility Conference, Power Forum, Renewable Energy Conference, and Expo 2023 were held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, showcasing Uganda's strides in the energy and minerals sector.
Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, launched the event, emphasizing initiatives in the clean energy sector. She highlighted efforts promoting efficient cooking appliances, setting Minimum Performance Standards for various technologies, and encouraging energy efficiency improvements for industrialists. The Minister urged the public to adopt energy-efficient practices in homes and businesses, sharing valuable tips for minimizing energy costs.
German Ambassador H.E Matthias Schauer underscored the enduring partnership between Germany and Uganda, emphasizing their commitment to a just energy transition. He pledged Germany's support in helping Uganda achieve its climate change adaptation and mitigation goals, stressing the urgency of investing in sustainable, affordable, and accessible energy systems.
The event concluded with a public exhibition at Akamwesi Mall, where participants, including promoters of energy efficiency appliances, solar energy advocates, and clean fuel promoters, received certificates of participation. Eng. David Birimumaso, Principal Energy Officer at MEMD, presented the certificates.
In an interview with Green Lens Uganda, some exhibitors expressed satisfaction with the exhibition, while others, particularly cookstove promoters, cited disappointment due to low public turnout. Moses of Potential Energy and Josephine of Wes Gas reported minimal sales, attributing it to the venue's inaccessibility. They suggested that a more central location, such as marketplaces or areas with high foot traffic, would be more conducive.
However, other exhibitors, such as solar promoters like Solar Nation and sellers of modern energy-efficient appliances like Simbaland Home appliances, praised the event and reported successful sales. Green Lens Uganda emphasized the importance of selecting a neutral venue accessible to a diverse audience, and advocating for event promotion through media and public drives.
In response to these concerns, Green Lens Uganda interviewed exhibitors and offered valuable insights. Some exhibitors recommended changing the venue to busier locations like marketplaces, emphasizing the success of previous exhibitions at Railway and KCCA grounds. They also suggested more extensive publicity through television and radio programs, as well as public drives to enhance awareness.
Green Lens Uganda emphasizes the critical importance of identifying a neutral ground that accommodates all exhibitors, suggesting marketplaces as potential venues for ongoing and future events. From an expert perspective in event management, Green Lens Uganda underscores the necessity for comprehensive media coverage and strategic public drives to ensure maximum public awareness and attendance.
In our commitment to overcoming challenges in promoting energy-efficient technologies, Green Lens Uganda actively documents events related to environmental conservation, clean energy, and climate action. This documentation acts as a driving force, inspiring sustainable development and contributing to the ongoing shift toward a cleaner energy future. Green Lens Uganda remains dedicated to its mission of addressing barriers due to limited media coverage in the sector, working diligently to encourage positive change in the promotion of clean energy technologies and environmental conservation.