Renewable energy players set for Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival in Jinja

As Uganda accelerates efforts to expand electricity access and promote clean energy adoption, industry players are increasingly turning to off-grid technologies as a solution to the country’s growing power and infrastructure demands.

This shift is expected to take centre stage at the upcoming Uganda OffGrid & Roadway Festival 2026, a three-day exhibition and networking event that will bring together renewable energy companies, innovators, investors and transport technology stakeholders at the Jinja Showgrounds from May 29 to 31.

The festival comes at a time when Uganda is experiencing rising demand for alternative energy systems driven by population growth, urbanisation, rural electrification gaps and increasing energy costs faced by households and small businesses.

Organizers say the event will showcase practical energy solutions ranging from solar systems and lithium battery storage technologies to portable power stations and smart roadway innovations designed to support communities with limited access to reliable electricity.

According to Muwanika Benjamin, the festival is aimed at creating direct connections between technology providers and consumers seeking affordable and sustainable energy alternatives.

“Off-grid technologies are becoming essential for homes, businesses and institutions that need reliable power beyond the traditional electricity network,” Muwanika said.

He added that the exhibition will also provide a platform for local entrepreneurs and startups to market innovative products and attract partnerships within Uganda’s rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.

Uganda has made progress in expanding national electricity access over the years, but energy experts say millions of households, particularly in rural areas, still rely on costly and unreliable energy sources such as kerosene, charcoal and diesel generators.

As a result, solar-powered systems and battery storage technologies are increasingly emerging as attractive alternatives due to falling equipment costs and growing awareness about clean energy solutions.

Industry analysts believe events such as the OffGrid & Roadway Festival could play a critical role in accelerating adoption by increasing public exposure to available technologies and encouraging investment in renewable energy enterprises.

Beyond energy, the festival is also expected to focus on roadway technologies and transport innovation, sectors viewed as central to improving trade connectivity and economic productivity.

Organized by Go Uganda Events, the exhibition will include business networking sessions aimed at linking manufacturers, distributors, investors and policymakers interested in sustainable infrastructure development.

Muwanika said the event reflects a broader transition toward environmentally friendly technologies and community-driven innovation.

“We are bringing together innovators and communities to demonstrate how sustainable technologies can improve livelihoods, create business opportunities and support Uganda’s development agenda,” he said.

The festival will also feature public engagement activities and promotional events intended to encourage wider participation in the clean energy movement.

Energy sector stakeholders say Uganda’s renewable energy industry has continued to attract growing investor interest, particularly in solar mini-grids, battery storage, electric mobility and productive-use technologies for agriculture and small-scale enterprises.

With climate change concerns and global energy transition efforts intensifying, organizers believe the Jinja event could become an important annual platform for advancing discussions on sustainable energy and infrastructure solutions in Uganda and the wider East African region.