In Northern Uganda, Barnabas Oloya works with schools, health facilities and diocesan departments to advance the Archdiocese of Gulu's renewable energy transition. He has been closely involved in the development of the diocesan energy strategy and in preparing solar interventions for selected institutions.
"Solar energy is not only about electricity. It is about safer health services, better learning conditions and giving institutions the confidence to plan for the future. My role is to help ensure that these systems continue serving communities long after the installation is complete."
Behind every solar installation, every repaired health-centre system, and every diocesan renewable energy strategy, there is a person making it happen on the ground.
In the Solar Pledge East Africa programme, that person is the Energy Officer. Working at diocesan level, Energy Officers coordinate renewable energy activities, connect technical experts with local institutions, support long-term planning and help ensure that solar investments continue delivering benefits long after installation.
They are often the first person to assess a school's energy needs, the person overseeing a repair at a health centre, the coordinator bringing together diocesan departments, and the local expert helping institutions build a sustainable energy future.
Energy Officers help dioceses:
Solar systems do not sustain themselves.
Without proper planning, oversight and maintenance, energy systems can quickly fall into disrepair. The Energy Officer helps ensure that renewable energy investments remain functional, sustainable and aligned with the needs of the institutions they serve.
In other words, while solar systems provide the power, Energy Officers provide the continuity.
For many donors, financing solar panels is a tangible and attractive investment. Yet the success of every solar investment depends on the people who make it work.
For €15,000, a funding partner can finance an Energy Officer in one diocese for 1 year. This support enables ongoing technical guidance, coordination, training and monitoring across dozens of schools, health facilities and diocesan institutions. Rather than funding a single installation, sponsors help ensure that an entire diocesan renewable energy programme can function effectively and grow over time.
By supporting an Energy Officer, you invest in local capacity, long-term sustainability and lasting change.
