What is the Biogas Loan Program

This loan allows a dairy farmer to use cow dung and water to generate biogas. Biogas is an environmentally friendly, renewable energy source produced by the breakdown of organic matter such as food scraps and animal waste.

In EBO's case, we use water and cow dung for the Sistema Bio prefabricated kits. The fixed dome type can also use pig droppings.

Biogas is produced when organic matter, like animal waste, is broken down by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen — a process called anaerobic digestion. For this to occur, the material must be enclosed in an oxygen-free environment.

Why Biogas

• It’s an eco-friendly energy source made from organic waste, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• It’s cost-effective, using locally available materials like animal dung.
• It provides reliable energy in rural areas where electricity access is limited.
• It supports sustainable agriculture by recycling waste into energy and fertilizer, boosting environmental and economic benefits in Ugandan communities.

Qualifying Criteria

Individuals — whether members of EBO SACCO or associate members (non-shareholders but account holders at any EBO branch) — may qualify. Institutions that have fully opened accounts with EBO SACCO LTDP are also eligible. Potential end users must be willing to purchase a bio-digester product via cash or loan and must have access to cow dung as the main raw material.

Benefits

• Subsidized by the Government of Uganda through UECCC
• Competitive interest rate of 1.5% per month (declining balance)
• Free installation costs
• Flexible loan periods tailored to repayment ability
• The biogas plant itself serves as security
• Clients with existing loans can still access this loan
• No compulsory savings required
• No transport costs to the site (covered by EBO staff)
• Fast processing — maximum of 3 days

Summary Information