Daniel-Ocen-watering-his-tree-seedlings
A small tree nursery enterprise in Lira City has recorded remarkable growth after adopting solar-powered irrigation technology, helping increase seedling production and support environmental conservation efforts in northern Uganda.
Dopla Tree Nurseries, located in Gwengbar area, Boroboro Parish, has expanded from a modest backyard venture into a leading supplier of tree seedlings to farmers, organisations and institutions, following support from Equity Bank Uganda’s renewable energy financing programme.
The nursery was started in 2019 by entrepreneur Daniel Ocen, who initially relied on manual watering methods using cans. The approach was time-consuming, costly and unreliable, especially during periods of high temperatures when maintaining consistent water supply became difficult.
Workers often had to move long distances in search of water, affecting irrigation schedules and resulting in losses of seedlings.
The situation changed in early 2025 when Ocen acquired a solar-powered irrigation system after receiving guidance from a Tulima Solar field agent. Following an assessment of the nursery, the system was installed with two solar panels, a high-capacity water pump and a network of pipes that supplies water directly to the seedling beds.
The investment was supported through the Results-Based Financing programme implemented by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with Energising Development (EnDev) Uganda and GIZ. The initiative is designed to encourage adoption of renewable energy solutions among small and medium-sized businesses by reducing the cost of solar technologies.
Since embracing solar irrigation, Dopla Tree Nurseries has improved its operations, with workers spending less time fetching water and more time focusing on seedling management. The reliable water supply has also increased seedling survival rates and improved quality.
The business has grown significantly, with annual seedling production rising from about 50,000 to nearly 200,000 seedlings. During peak seasons, revenues have increased from approximately Shs20 million to about Shs30 million.
Located along a busy roadside, the nursery now supplies seedlings for tree planting campaigns, fruit farming, landscaping and home gardening projects, serving a growing number of customers.
Beyond business growth, the nursery has become a learning centre where Ocen trains young people and women in seedling propagation and nursery management, creating opportunities for skills development and local employment.
With the positive results from the solar project, Ocen plans to expand further by adding another solar irrigation system and installing solar-powered security lighting at the nursery.
The success story demonstrates how access to clean energy solutions can help small enterprises improve productivity, adapt to climate challenges and contribute to environmental restoration.
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