Innovative social practices in rural electrification : a comparative case study of Rubagabaga mini-hydropower project (Rwanda) and PECO Rwenzori Micro-hydropower project (Uganda)

Rwanda and Uganda have very low rural electrification rates such that only a small percentage of the rural population has access to energy or connected to the grid. The states have implemented some strategies to extend the grid to rural areas; however, the results of the strategies show little achievement in the much needed rural electrification and its impacts to the local community. The socio-economic conditions in the rural area coupled with the government `s inefficiency attribute for the failures of the previous strategies used by the government to enhance energy access. The energy sector in the both countries has had significant changes that have the potential to accelerate the rate of rural electrification if the governments are willing to commit to the policies and regulation. The decentralisation of the energy sector has opened up space for the private sector, both local and foreign to venture in the energy sector of these countries. This thesis attempts to explore and examine the innovative social practices used by the different entrepreneurs in the two cases; Rubagabaga min-hydro power project in Rwanda and the PECO Rwenzori micro-hydro power project in Uganda. I used qualitative methods of research to collect and analyse data which presents efforts, approaches, constraints and opportunities faced by the two different entrepreneurs in rural electrification. I examine innovative socio-economic practices used about how they involve the community, relate with the institution, and ensure financial viability in rural electrification. Using the literature framework in the thesis, I draw comparisons between the two forms of entrepreneurship how the two different entrepreneur