Vulnerable pupils in Bugweri District have received solar lanterns through a partnership between Nseete Foundation and German-based Stiftung Solar Energy Foundation, improving study conditions, reducing reliance on kerosene, and supporting sustainable development in rural communities.
Bugweri District witnessed scenes of joy as vulnerable pupils of Walanga Primary School in Walanga Parish, Igombe Sub-county, received solar lanterns aimed at enhancing access to education and clean energy.
The donation, facilitated by Nseete Foundation in partnership with Stiftung Solar Energy Foundation of Germany and Solar Giant, benefited 40 children, mostly orphans and those living with disabilities.
The initiative seeks to address one of the major challenges facing learners in rural areas—lack of reliable lighting—by enabling children to study safely at night while reducing dependence on kerosene and candles.
During the handover ceremony at Walanga Primary School, Eng. Florence Kyozaire, Chief Executive Officer of Solar Giant, emphasized the importance of the partnership in line with national and global development priorities.
“We partnered with Stiftung Solar Energy Foundation from Germany to ensure that vulnerable children and orphans in Bugweri gain access to clean energy and scholastic support,” Kyozaire said.
“Lighting is key to education, and access to clean energy is one of the Sustainable Development Goals. I do not want to see people living in darkness when the government is campaigning for universal electricity access by 2030.”
She explained that the project is part of a public-private partnership supporting Uganda’s development agenda and global sustainability goals.
“Parents spend about Shs15,000 per month on kerosene, with a litre costing around Shs4,000, which is very expensive for families in rural areas,” she said.
“These solar lights will help children study better, and we appeal to parents to ensure the lights remain with the children, even as they benefit the whole household.”
Kyozaire added that the initiative also promotes healthier living by eliminating the risks associated with kerosene lamps and candles.
Bugweri District Community Development Officer, Esther Nandase, commended Nseete Foundation and partners for supporting vulnerable communities.
“These lanterns are fitted with radios, providing both light and access to information,” Nandase noted.
“Information is power, and this will empower our communities through education, awareness, and even entertainment.”
Guardians of the beneficiary children expressed gratitude, highlighting the positive impact the lanterns would have on learning at home.
Rahmat Namudibo, a resident of Walanga Village, said the solar lanterns would enable children to revise their books and improve academic performance.
“We have been using traditional kerosene lanterns, locally known as munaku tadooba. Whenever kerosene runs out, our children cannot revise. Yet we spend about Shs15,000 on kerosene every month, which is very expensive.”
Another guardian, Jamawa Namwase, added: “I take care of grandchildren whose parents have died. I have been using candles for lighting. These solar lights will greatly help our children when revising their books.”
The Chairperson of Nseete Foundation, Ivan Balondemu, thanked Bugweri District leadership for supporting the organization’s work.
“It is not easy for leaders to trust youth-led organizations, but the district administrators entrusted us, and we are humbled,” Balondemu said.
The handover ceremony was attended by Nseete Foundation officials led by Balondemu, representatives from Solar Giant headed by Eng Kyozaire, and district officials including Ms Nandase and Mr Michael Kiyemba, the Bugweri District Assistant Health Officer in charge of Environmental Health.
Funded by Stiftung Solar Energy Foundation (Germany), the project marks another step toward improving education outcomes and promoting clean, sustainable energy solutions for vulnerable children in rural Uganda.
Source: NilePost