The project launch involved a one-day technical training workshop and the installation of solar lighting systems in at least 40 homes in Butikiro, Kiyuni and Kyamulalama villages in Gayaza sub-county, Kyankwanzi district. Each home was provided with a 2.5W Solar Home Lighting System (referred to as Solar Powapack Junior), which is designed to give users more than 7 hours of light per night. The Powapack comes with a 4V 3200mAh rechargeable NICd battery, a 2.5 W solar panel and 2 super bright flex lamps. The system also has he ability to charge mobile phones.

The initial phase was made possible with the generous financial contribution by Operations Groundswell volunteers from Canada and USA and with technical support from Barefoot Power Uganda Limited, an organization involved in the distribution of solar energy systems in Uganda.

The project will enable local people to tap and use solar energy as a reliable, relatively cheaper, cleaner and environmentally-sustainable source of energy. According to Mzee Israel Sentongo, the head of the sole household in the village that hitherto had a solar system: “… solar electricity has dramatically improved our lives. Over the last five years, the terrible irritating fumes and black soot from the kerosene lamps have not been a problem any more. Moreover we don’t have to worry about buying the expensive kerosene.”

One of the project beneficiaries, Ms Joyce Nanyonga, a widow taking care of nine children said: “This is a dream come true to my life. The new system will enable me save the money I have been paying to charge my cell phone. My children will also be able to do their homework in the evenings with better lighting. Thank you so much SLINT-Uganda and our visitors from America for your assistance.”

A lack of affordable and sustainable sources of energy is one of the major factors contributing to poverty and poor quality of life in Uganda. More than 80% of Uganda’s population lives in rural areas and relies on fuelwood and agricultural residues for cooking and heating and more than 98% of all households use kerosene lamps for lighting. In the project area, no single household has access to the grid-based hydro-electricity and none is projected to have access to it in the foreseeable future. Most households use dry-cell batteries to operate their small appliances, such as radios.

In recent years, the cost of different sources of energy has increased dramatically to levels that are too high for the poor. For example, the average pump price for kerosene has increased to more than 2,500 Uganda shillings (US$ 1.20 dollars), up from 1,950 (US$ 0.92) a year ago, which is quite high for most rural people.

The project is expected to result in multiple direct economic, health and social benefits for the local people and contribute to poverty eradication and environmental sustainability. By reducing the use of fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases, the project will also contribute climate change mitigation. Furthermore, it will lead to reduced reliance on firewood thus reducing the pressure on natural forests which in turn will generate multiple environmental benefits, including biodiversity conservation and reduced land degradation.