Busoga’s 10th Olwekobaano energy expo opens in Kaliro district

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The 10th Olwekobaano Energy Expo and Conference 2025 has officially opened in Kaliro District, aimed at expanding Busoga’s access to clean, affordable and reliable energy solutions.

Organised by Busoga Yaiffe, the decade-old expo has grown into a key regional platform for promoting clean energy innovation, partnerships, and sustainable livelihoods. It is taking place at the Green Belt in Kaliro and the Kaliro Country Resort.

Speaking at the opening, Dr Charles Mbalyohere, President of Busoga Yaiffe, underscored the role of clean energy in driving social and economic transformation.

“The Olwekobaano Energy Expo has evolved into a strategic hub for innovation and partnership development. Our goal is to ensure that every household, institution, and business in Busoga can access clean and reliable energy solutions. Once communities have energy, development follows naturally,” Dr Mbalyohere said.

Now in its tenth year, the expo has distinguished itself as a catalyst for advancing clean energy adoption across Busoga and beyond.

This year’s theme, “Taking affordable, reliable and clean energy to more people and places using strategic partnerships,” reflects the region’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment to accelerate energy access.

The expo running from 12th –15th December 2025 has attracted stakeholders from sectors including electric mobility, regenerative agriculture, clean cooking technologies, and solar-powered irrigation areas that are increasingly shaping economic growth and social change in rural communities.

Kaliro District, hosting the expo for the second consecutive year, welcomed the event as an opportunity to spur local development. The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Kiduma Rogers, said the expo has positively influenced land use, farming practices, and technology uptake.

“I want to thank Busoga Yaiffe for promoting good farming practices and development across Busoga. The expo has helped to change people’s mindsets on proper and productive land use,” Kiduma said.

He added that the district is proud to host the expo, noting that it has opened doors for farmers, traders, and youth to explore modern technologies. “We are committed to supporting initiatives that promote clean energy adoption and improve livelihoods,” he said.

Kaliro District Natural Resources Officer, Paul Diogo, highlighted the environmental benefits linked to clean energy technologies showcased at previous expos.

“As a district, we have seen how solar irrigation, clean cooking stoves, and other innovations reduce pressure on natural resources. The expo is more than an event, it is an environmental education platform that shapes community behaviour,” Diogo said.

Beyond energy solutions, the 2025 edition features a Free Health Camp, expanding the expo’s impact on community welfare. Julius Kiduka, the District Health Educator for Kaliro, said the medical outreach aims to address barriers to healthcare access.

“Many people delay seeking medical care due to distance, cost, or lack of awareness. This free health camp is bridging that gap by offering diagnostics, treatment, maternal health services, and health education under one roof,” Kiduka said.

He revealed that more than 1,000 people benefited from the previous health camp, prompting strong demand for its return. “Now that the expo and health camp are back this month, I urge people from Kaliro and neighbouring districts to turn up in big numbers,” he added.

Community members shared testimonies of the camp’s impact. Jane Namusubo, a resident of Kaliro, said last year’s screening helped detect her high blood pressure early. “The doctors helped me before it became worse. I am bringing my whole family again because these services save lives,” she said.

Samuel Kibalya, a boda boda rider, said free eye screening enabled him to work safely. “I could not have afforded those tests on my own. The camp is a blessing to us,” he said.

Traders and exhibitors welcomed the expo’s return, citing improved market access. Lillian Nambeya, a clean-cooking products trader who exhibited in previous editions, said the expo has been transformative for small businesses.

“Last year’s expo connected my products to hundreds of new customers and allowed me to learn from other entrepreneurs. The Olwekobaano Expo is a real game-changer,” Nambeya said.

The 10th Olwekobaano Energy Expo 2025 has attracted partners including Kaliro District Local Government, World Vision, Centenary Bank, the Office of the Senior Presidential Advisor on Busoga and Poverty Alleviation, Kaliro Country Resort, Makerere University, Obwazibondo Bwa Bulamogi, the Uganda Solar Energy Association, Open University, and SENDEA, among others.