What started as a small backyard nursery in Lira City has grown into a thriving tree-seedling business thanks to the adoption of solar-powered irrigation.
Located in the Gwengbar area of Boroboro Parish, Dopla Tree Nurseries was founded in 2019 by entrepreneur Daniel Ocen. In its early years, the business struggled with limited resources. Without start-up capital, Ocen and his workers relied on watering cans and manual labour to keep seedlings alive, a difficult task in Lira’s hot and often unpredictable weather.
The nursery’s biggest challenge was access to water. Workers spent hours fetching water from distant sources, while inconsistent watering affected seedling survival and limited the number of plants that could be produced.
A major breakthrough came in early 2025 when Ocen invested in a solar-powered irrigation system after learning about the technology through a Tulima Solar field agent. Following an assessment of the site, a system comprising solar panels, a high-capacity pump and an extensive pipe network was installed to supply water directly to the nursery beds.
The project was supported through the Results-Based Financing (RBF) Programme implemented by Equity Bank Uganda in partnership with Energising Development (EnDev) Uganda and GIZ. The initiative helps make renewable energy technologies more affordable for small and medium-sized enterprises by providing incentives to solar energy suppliers.
Since the installation, irrigation at the nursery has become faster, more reliable and less labour-intensive. Automated watering has freed workers to focus on seedling management and quality control, leading to healthier plants and higher survival rates.
The impact on the business has been significant. Annual production has increased fourfold, rising from about 50,000 seedlings to nearly 200,000. Revenue during peak seasons has also grown from approximately UGX20 million to around UGX30 million.
Today, Dopla Tree Nurseries supplies a wide range of seedlings to farmers, institutions, non-governmental organisations and landscaping projects across the region. Its location along a busy roadside has helped attract a growing customer base involved in reforestation, fruit farming, environmental conservation and home beautification projects.
Beyond business, the nursery is playing an important role in community development. Ocen uses the facility as a training centre, mentoring young people and women in nursery management and seedling propagation. The programme currently supports 12 trainees, equipping them with practical skills and income-generating opportunities.
Buoyed by the success of the solar irrigation system, Ocen is planning further expansion, including the installation of an additional solar-powered irrigation unit and solar security lighting.
The success of Dopla Tree Nurseries highlights the transformative role renewable energy can play in rural enterprises. By improving productivity, reducing operational challenges and supporting environmental conservation, solar-powered technology is helping small businesses grow while creating jobs and strengthening local economies.
