1. BACKGROUND

Uganda has an ambitious agenda to end energy poverty and lead the country towards a just energy transition. While approximately 92% of Uganda’s generating capacity is renewable, there is still a heavy reliance on hydropower and biomass energy. For instance, about 95% of Ugandan households rely on either wood or charcoal for cooking, contributing to deforestation. Uganda incurs a biodegradation loss of USD 2.3 billion, 25% of which is due to wood fuel.

The government has established a robust legal, policy, and institutional framework for renewable energy, including the Renewable Energy Policy (2007), which aims to increase renewable energy output from 4% to 61% by 2017. Other key instruments include the Uganda Green Growth Development Strategy (2017), the Third National Development Plan (2020/21-2024/25), and the Energy Policy for Uganda (2023).

To address the increasing demand for reducing the effects of climate change and the global shift from fossil fuels to cleaner, renewable energy sources, the government of Uganda has continued to scale up investments and strengthen collaborations for increased investment in affordable and reliable energy. Notable results have been achieved through both public and private investments. For example, a 2021 report by IRENA revealed that 30,000 individual solar PV systems were installed in households and institutions such as schools and hospitals, with a cumulative installed capacity of 1.25 MW, mostly in rural regions.

2. ABOUT THE ASSESSMENT

Despite these efforts, Uganda’s ability to fully harness its renewable energy potential of 92% faces significant fundamental barriers and challenges. These include limited technical capacities, restricted access to financing, the high cost of renewable energy equipment, and a heavy reliance on imported equipment. Additionally, the limited enforcement of regulations and standards has led to the infiltration of substandard equipment in the Ugandan market. Furthermore, there is insufficient investment in changing user mindsets, which affects the energy transition.

The total cost of implementing the Renewable Energy Policy is estimated at USD 3.5 billion^[1]. The private sector is expected to contribute 86% of these resources through direct investments in renewable energy, while the Government of Uganda is anticipated to fund 14% of the financial requirements.

It’s against this background that CSBAG, in partnership with OXFAM Uganda, seek services of a technical expert to assess the operationalization and financing of Uganda’s Renewable Energy Policy, 2007 over a period of five years.

3. SPECIFIC TERMS OF REFERENCE

The specific TORs for this assessment include:

• Analyze the effectiveness of the existing legal and fiscal policy framework in fostering an enabling environment for a just energy transition that is pro-poor and lowers the inequality in energy access and costs
• Assess Government of Uganda’s financing mechanisms and financial inflows[2]  for at least 3 most recent financial years and evaluate their alignment to its GoUs’ financing and investment targets as well as  Renewable Energy Policy objectives and how this impacts on reducing inequality.
• Examine renewable energy uptake patterns in Uganda and the factors influencing these patterns, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and equity[3].
• Identify existing opportunities and any constraints for effective and pro-poor energy transition in Uganda and propose policy recommendations

4. SCOPE

The assessment will focus on renewable energy financing, Geographically, the assessment intends to be done at both sub-national and national level.

5. REQUIREMENTS AND TIMEFRAME

The selected consultant will deliver the assignment within 35 working days and not later than 20^th October 2024. The consultant will deliver the following outputs:

• Assess the operationalization and financing of the renewable energy policy in Uganda at National level and in 3 LGs with at least one being a refugee hosting LG
• Present Draft study report to be validated by both Government, CSO, Private Sector stakeholders
• Produce issues paper and detailed study report to guide CSO policy influencing engagements

6. EXPERTISE REQUIRED

The consultant will possess the following qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in economics, development studies, energy economics policy, or any other relevant field.
2. Excellent knowledge and understanding of renewable energy sub sector financing.
3. Demonstrated experience in conducting assessments or research within the education sector.
4. Expertise in economic modelling and impact analysis.
5. Familiarity with public expenditure tracking and analysis, particularly in the education sector.
6. Knowledge in public policy, particularly in renewable energy sub sector.
7. Knowledge of international and domestic funding mechanisms.

7. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE ASSIGNMENT

CSBAG is inviting Proposals for implementation of all outputs and activities as specified in these Terms of Reference. Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit Technical and financial proposals:

• Only financial proposals quoted in UGX are acceptable
• The technical proposal in one document should contain:
  • Description of the understanding of the assignments, including comments on the ToRs
  • A brief critique of the ToR from your understanding of the assignment.
  • A description of the methodology to be followed, to achieve the desired objectives.
  • Work plan and Time scheduling of information gathering and other activities.
  • CVs of the consultants/firms

8. APPLICATION PROCESS.

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, updated CVs, technical and financial proposals and references for similar work conducted previously, addressed to the Executive Director: Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG), email: hr@csbag.org, P.O. Box 660, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda, Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close Ntinda-stretcher road by 5:00 pm  on 7th October 2024

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[1] Sustainable Development Goals Progress Report 2021

[2] Public and private comparative analysis

[3] A case study comparing urban vs. rural, low-income Vs Middle, high income HH, refugee vs. non-refugee communities, and gender as well as income levels dimensions is preferred.