The Ugandan government has taken a major step toward rural electrification and digital equity with the launch of Solar M7, a mobile, affordable solar kit unveiled by Minister of State for ICT, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Sebugwawo.
Speaking at the Thursday launch event in Naalya, Minister Sebugwawo emphasized that Solar M7 Uganda is designed to address persistent power access issues in remote communities—particularly affecting women, children, and the elderly.
“Many rural families still lack safe lighting and a way to charge essential devices,” she noted. “Solar M7 brings not just light but opportunity.”
What is Solar M7?
Developed by Innocent Kwooya and Henry Lutwama, Solar M7 is a compact, easy-to-use solar home system that requires no technical know-how. It includes a solar panel, four LED bulbs, and a battery capable of charging mobile phones, making it ideal for off-grid households.
The idea was born during a campaign to equip schools with computers. According to co-founder Lutwama, the team discovered that while schools had tech resources, students had no electricity at home to study further.
“That’s how we envisioned a solution for students and families alike,” Lutwama explained.
Empowering Women with Energy Access
As part of the pilot phase, over 1,000 solar kits will be distributed free of charge to women in rural areas. Minister Sebugwawo described these women as “the light of their communities,” deserving of dignity and equal opportunity.
She further highlighted that access to energy supports broader development goals, including healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. The initiative also aligns with Uganda’s National Electrification Plan and the President’s vision for universal access to electricity.
Call for National Support
Sebugwawo called on development partners, private sector stakeholders, and donors to back the initiative, emphasizing that lighting up homes is only the beginning. With Solar M7, she said, the government is “delivering hope, dignity, and opportunity to every corner of Uganda.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_SPHRKTtZ8
