From 17–18 June 2025, the Archdiocese of Gulu took a significant step toward a more sustainable future by hosting a workshop dedicated to the formulation of a Comprehensive Renewable Energy Strategy (2025–2030). The event, held under the Solar Pledge East Africa (SPEA) programme and supported with expertise from GIZ, brought together 44 participants, including representatives from diocesan departments, seven parishes, Catholic institutions, and external stakeholders.
With valuable input from GIZ and its national energy mainstreaming guidelines, participants explored how to adapt and apply these frameworks effectively within faith-based institutions. The workshop also benefited from peer-to-peer exchange with the Diocese of Lodwar, as well as technical support from Caritas Gulu and renewable energy specialists.
The two-day event served a dual purpose: first, to build capacity and facilitate knowledge exchange on renewable energy technologies and operational challenges; second, to collaboratively develop a draft strategy tailored to the unique realities and priorities of the Archdiocese.
This participatory approach ensured strong local ownership of the emerging strategy, which lays out a clear roadmap for expanding renewable energy adoption across diocesan institutions. It includes practical provisions for the operation and maintenance of solar technologies, an essential component for long-term sustainability.
By integrating several key SPEA activities—including training on energy potential and barriers, contextualising national guidelines, and addressing operations and maintenance—the workshop has delivered concrete outputs. These include increased awareness among diocesan staff and the first draft of a comprehensive renewable energy strategy.
The outcome: enhanced capacity within the Archdiocese of Gulu to incorporate renewable and solar energy into its operational planning, budgeting, and service delivery—strengthening its leading role for sustainable development in Northern Uganda.
As a next step, we are looking at working closely with a consultant to customize the national energy mainstreaming guidelines and develop a strategy document reflecting the realities and priorities of the Archdiocese. This tailored approach will ensure that our future interventions are both sustainable and locally owned.
School building in Gulu with PV system: @ MISSIO Muenchen
Energy Mainstreaming Workshop: @ horizont3000
