German Embassy Head of Cooperation visits Northern Uganda to view impacts of German Development Cooperation, as funded by the German Government

Earlier this month, Alicia van den Boom, Head of Cooperation at the German Embassy in Uganda was in Gulu, visiting renewable energy projects implemented by GIZ and KfW on behalf of the German Government. Her visit aimed to get an impression on the interventions that have been implemented by both the technical (GIZ) and financial (KfW) arms of German Development cooperation. She was accompanied by staff from the Embassy, GIZ Uganda and KfW Uganda.

Among the projects that are implemented by GIZ in Gulu District, Ms. Van den Boom visited a demonstration site for renewable energy and energy efficiency at Oguru Primary School. The site primarily aims at disseminating experience with, and information about renewable energy and energy efficiency among decision makers. The Promotion of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (PREEEP) supported the school with installation of a 5.12 kWh solar system including six 300Wp solar panels and wiring, installation of energy efficient lighting systems, planting of 2000 trees and operation and maintenance training.

Mrs. Van den Boom also participated in two partner-led meetings, i.e. a community dialogue on women’s rights under the customary land tenure system, organized by Women’s Land Rights, Intra- and Inter-clan Conflicts (WoLRIC) Interest Group, a partner of the GIZ Civil Peace Service Programme, and a discussion on how Volunteer Action Network (VAC-NET), a Governance and Civil Society Support Programme (GCSP) partner, builds capacities of women leaders through tailored advocacy and skills trainings, strengthening of existing women group structures and strengthening organisations’ management structures and processes. During the meetings, partner organisations expressed their appreciation for the support from the German Government and its development partners, under the German Development Cooperation.

The team also had the opportunity to hear about the benefits of using an improved cookstove, when they visited one household that uses a higher efficiency cookstove called Ace One.

‘This stove not only cooks fast, it also allows for phone charging even though we do not yet have electricity in our house. Since I bought it, I have been using less cooking fuel and money. I use the stove for my business of selling pancakes and even now, I have already earned back the money I spent to buy it, mainly because I save a lot on fuel,’ remarked Holline Adyero, of Gulu City, during a visit to her business.

Africa Clean Energy (ACE ), makers of the ACE One stove, was supported by the ?Energising Development (EnDev) Uganda programme to establish a top notch high tier cookstove manufacturing facility in Gulu through procurement of essential manufacturing equipment, identifying a suitable factory site, conducting Health and Safety trainings, local manufacturing of the first 500 ACE One stoves, and recruitment of key staff.

Aside from the visited projects, Ms. Van den Boom and the team interacted with representatives from the Local Government, private sector and other Civil Society Organizations.

As the visit ended, it was evident to all participants in the activities that Gender and Women Empowerment issues are key aspects that need to be integrated in the different project activities for sustainable progress. It was further evident that a lot can be achieved when women are empowered to speak up, attain financial independence and exercise their rights. It was however also noted that boys and men, should be brought along in this process, both as change agents and stakeholders in the gender discussion

Friederike von C?lln Caroline Ruffing Rose Nanyondo Mugabe Victoria Butegwa David Otieno Eve Mashoo Wakabi Eric