By Earnest Kivumbi Benjamin
KAMPALA- The State Minister for ICT, Owek. Hon. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo, has today officially launched Solar M7, a Ugandan-designed home solar kit, with an ambitious pledge to light up households across Uganda and Africa over the next five years.
Speaking at the launch event in Kampala, Hon. Sebugwawo emphasized the urgent need to address energy poverty in rural communities.
“For far too long, many people in remote areas have lived in darkness simply because they cannot afford access to grid electricity,” she noted.
She explained that while distributing computers to rural schools, she witnessed firsthand how many of the students’ homes lacked even the most basic electricity.
“Even in areas where power lines pass overhead, homes remain dark each night. This isn’t just an energy issue—it’s a poverty issue, a development issue, and a barrier to participation in today’s digital economy,” she said.
Driven by this need, Hon. Sebugwawo partnered with Mr. Innocent Kawooya and Mr. Henry Lutwama to develop a low-cost solar solution that can reach last-mile households.
“This isn’t just a gadget—it’s the beginning of a movement. A movement to light homes, power phones, support schoolwork, and enable small businesses, even in the most remote villages,” she said.
Features of Solar M7
According to co-founder Mr. Henry Lutwama, the Solar M7 kit boasts seven key features: Mobility, Affordability, Plug-and-Play setup, 24/7 Availability, Portability, Ease of Use, and Reliability.
“It’s designed for even the lowest-income families. You don’t need a technician to operate it, and it’s built with durable, high-quality components,” he said.
Each kit includes a battery, solar panel, five bulbs, a phone charger, and a radio—providing essential lighting and connectivity to homes off the national power grid.
A 5-Year Plan for 5 Million Homes
Hon. Sebugwawo announced an ambitious plan to distribute up to five million Solar M7 kits across Uganda and the wider COMESA region, which has a population of over 640 million people.
“As we launch this campaign today, I am proud to announce that we are starting by donating 1,000 Solar M7 kits. I will personally hand them over to women leaders in remote villages—teachers, midwives, elders, and birth attendants—who are the light of their communities and deserve to serve and live with dignity,” she said.
Supporting National Electrification and Digital Inclusion
Mr. Innocent Kawooya, CEO of HiPipo and a National Independence Medallist, highlighted that this campaign directly supports the Uganda National Electrification Plan and President Yoweri Museveni’s agenda for universal access to power.
“Many rural families can’t afford even UGX 1,000 a day on paraffin—that’s UGX 360,000 a year. At under $50, the Solar M7 offers a permanent, affordable alternative,” he said.
He also emphasized their ongoing partnerships with organizations like the COMESA Business Council, to scale access beyond Uganda’s borders.
A Call to Action
Hon. Sebugwawo called on development partners, donors, and governments to join the movement:
“Let’s ensure no home is left in the dark, no child fails to study due to lack of light, and no woman gives birth in total darkness.”
About Solar M7
Solar M7 is Africa’s newest and most accessible solar home kit, designed to bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to off-grid households. It represents a major step in advancing inclusive energy access and financial empowerment across the continent.
Launch Highlights:
- Official unveiling of the Solar M7 brand and product
- Announcement of a 5-year rollout plan targeting 5 million solar kits across Uganda and the COMESA region
- Immediate donation of 1,000 kits to women leaders in underserved villages
- Introduction of 7 key product features: Mobility, Affordability, Plug-and-Play, 24/7 Availability, Portability, Ease of Use, and Reliability
- Commitment to supporting Uganda’s National Electrification Plan and digital inclusion strategy
Strategic Partnerships and Regional Impact
Solar M7 is working in collaboration with the COMESA Business Council, governments, and international development partners to expand solar access and bridge gaps in digital and financial inclusion—enabling services such as mobile money, online learning, and health access in rural regions.
Quote from the Patron:
“With Solar M7, we are delivering more than energy—we are delivering opportunity, dignity, and inclusion to every home still living in darkness.”
– Owek. Hon. Joyce Nabosa Sebugwawo
HICGI News Agency 