Affordable solar power in Uganda’s refugee settlements: Isaac lights his way to a brighter future
In Zone 2 of Bidibidi, one of Uganda’s largest refugee settlement, lives Isaac Tabu. Isaac is a determined young student, and head of his household, caring for three younger brothers and sister. Every day, he balances school, caregiving, and household responsibilities. “When we first arrived from South Sudan, we were given a small lantern,” Isaac recalls. “But it barely gave enough light. It was too dark to move around, and we feared candles because of the fire risk.” Their daily routine revolved around the setting sun, rushing to cook and finishing chores before darkness fell. Studying in the evening hours was nearly impossible.
Isaac is one of more than 1.9 million refugees living in Uganda, most of whom have fled conflict in neighbouring countries. His settlement, Bidibidi in Yumbe District, is known as Africa’s largest refugee settlement. More than 207,000 refugees live here, alongside a host community of nearly 945,000 residents. Bidibidi remains a remote area. Many households rely on subsistence farming and face major challenges accessing basic services like energy. For many, energy access is still a luxury they simply cannot afford. Twin challenges of affordabilityand limited accessibility leave thousands of households in the dark.
Clean energy at subsidised prices
To help close this gap, EnDev partners with private companies to make clean energy products—such as solar lanterns, solar home systems, and improved cookstoves—more affordable for refugees and host communities. The project offers demand-side subsidies (DSS) to lower the purchase price for end users without making the products completely free, ensuring both affordability and market sustainability. To reduce transaction costs, subsidies are channeled through companies who are paid after eligible sales have been verified. The pilot, funded by Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is part of a global DSS component piloting innovative DSS mechanisms to facilitate access to modern energy services for low-income and/or displaced populations who are not currently reached by commercial markets.
The power is just always there. Even in the middle of the night, I can wake up and study without worrying about light.
Isaac, Uganda
A solar home system for Isaac
Isaac heard of the opportunity to buy an affordable solar home systems, when a megaphone announcement by a local distributor echoed through the community. The message brought a sense of hope, light, power, and possibility.
Motivated by his energy struggles, Isaac decided to act. Using savings that he earned from casual labour, mostly digging gardens on weekends, he approached a local sales agent who happened to be his neighbour. Through monthly instalments also known as a pay-as-you-go plan, Isaac was able to secure a solar home system.
Today, his household enjoys the benefits of three bright bulbs, a radio, and a portable torch. “The power is just always there,” Isaac says with a smile. “Even in the middle of the night, I can wake up and study without worrying about light.”
Solar energy transforming education and daily life for Isaac
Access to solar energy has significantly improved his academic performance. “Before, I struggled in school. Now, my grades are improving because I have time to read and revise,” he shares.
The system has brought broader benefits too: cooking is easier at night due to the additional light, they can safely move around in the night to fetch water using the torch, and they stay informed by listening to the radio. Isaac even helps his friends charge their phones.
Before, I struggled in school. Now, my grades are improving because I have time to read and revise.
Isaac, Uganda
“Many people ask me about the system. They see how it’s helping me, and they want one too. If they don’t know where to go, I take them to the sales agent,” he says proudly.
Other sales agents had approached him before, but the systems were unaffordable. “If it hadn’t been at that price, I couldn’t have managed,” he admits. “I’m also thankful that the agent allowed me to pay in instalments, as I could not afford the full upfront payment”.
Isaac’s dream for the future
Looking ahead, Isaac dreams of upgrading to a larger system with more bulbs, faster chargers, and maybe even a fan. “This solar system is really good,” he says with quiet confidence.
Isaac’s story is a powerful reminder of how clean, affordable energy can transform lives. With the right support, even modest technologies can empower the most vulnerable and light the way to a brighter future.
