3. Key Findings

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A summary of findings from discussions with stakeholders included:

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• There is a need to better understand geothermal resource potential in Uganda and to accelerate its development. The government needs to take a lead;

• The mandate of the Geothermal Resources Department needs clarifying;

• Until there is a clear project development opportunity, the government should not rush to establish a new entity responsible for geothermal development (e.g. a parastatal). Broad agreement was reached that a dedicated geothermal policy is warranted given the characteristics of the technology;

• Development partners reiterated that there are a number of existing programs that may be utilized to develop geothermal resources in Uganda. An enhanced policy and legal framework will help in making progress with these funding activities;

• Private sector has a role to play in resource development. The policy and legal framework needs to promote new methods of cooperation between government and the private sector, and better manage expectations of both parties;

• Local communities are supportive of geothermal development, but there is a need to ensure that development is sympathetic of local activities e.g. salt production from geothermal springs, and that benefits are realised locally. It was noted that clear consideration of direct uses of geothermal heat as a catalyst for local industrial development should be included in the policy, in particular in support of agriculture and fisheries activities (e.g. food processing and drying).

• There is a need to better coordinate academic research and educational aspects of geothermal energy.