KAMPALA, Uganda — A new, affordable home solar kit, dubbed “Solar M7,” has been launched on the Ugandan market with the aim of bringing light to remote communities currently lacking reliable electricity access. The initiative was unveiled Thursday by the State Minister for ICT, Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, who pledged to donate an initial 1,000 units to women leaders in rural areas.
Speaking at the launch in Kampala, Minister Sebugwawo emphasized the critical need for affordable energy solutions in off-grid regions. She stated that the Solar M7 was developed in collaboration with Mr. Innocent Kawooya and Henry Lutwama to address the widespread issue of energy poverty, which she identified as a significant barrier to development and participation in the digital economy.
“This is not just a gadget. It is the start of a movement,” Sebugwawo said, highlighting the kit’s potential to power homes, charge phones, support education, and empower local businesses in even the most remote locations.
The Solar M7 boasts seven key features, according to co-founder Henry Lutwama: mobility, affordability, plug-and-play convenience, 24/7 availability, portability, ease of use, and reliability. The kit includes a battery, five bulbs, a solar panel, a phone charger, and a radio, all designed for simple operation and durability for low-income households.
Minister Sebugwawo announced an ambitious five-year plan to distribute up to five million Solar M7 kits at the lowest possible prices across Uganda and the wider COMESA region, targeting a population of over 640 million people. The initial donation of 1,000 kits will be personally delivered to women leaders – including teachers, midwives, and elders – in recognition of their vital role in their communities.
Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo, underscored the initiative’s contribution to Uganda’s National Electrification Plan and its alignment with President Yoweri Museveni’s agenda for universal power access and digital inclusion. He noted that the affordable price point of the Solar M7 offers a sustainable alternative to the daily expense of using paraffin for lighting.
The developers are actively seeking partnerships with the COMESA Business Council, governments, and development organizations to scale the distribution of the Solar M7 across borders. Minister Sebugwawo urged these stakeholders to join the cause and help ensure that no home remains without light, no child is hindered in their studies, and no woman gives birth in darkness.
The Solar M7 is positioned as a transformative product that delivers accessible and reliable clean energy to last-mile communities, facilitating not only basic electricity needs but also access to mobile money, digital learning, and online services.
