The government of Uganda has unveiled Solar M7, an affordable and portable solar energy kit designed to expand electricity access and foster digital inclusion in undeserved rural communities.
Led by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the initiative is a strategic response to ongoing energy challenges that have long limited development and service delivery in remote areas.
Speaking at the launch event on Thursday, May 8, 2025, Minister of State for ICT, Hon Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, hailed the Solar M7 as a transformative solution aimed at bridging the rural-urban energy divide and ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital era.
“Solar M7 was developed as a direct response to the electricity gap in off-grid areas. It is compact, mobile, user-friendly, and, most importantly, affordable for the average rural household,” Hon Nabbosa said.
She emphasized that the lack of reliable electricity in remote communities continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, especially women, children, and the elderly, by limiting access to safe lighting, educational tools, and basic digital connectivity.
“Access to clean energy is not just a basic need; it is a foundation for better health, education, and economic empowerment,” Nabbosa added.
As part of the first phase of implementation, the government will distribute over 1,000 Solar M7 kits free of charge to women in rural Uganda. The kits will support household lighting, phone charging, and powering digital devices, promoting inclusion in both the energy and digital spheres.
“These women are the light of their communities. They deserve to live and serve with dignity, safety, and opportunity,” she emphasized.
The Solar M7 campaign aligns with the Uganda National Electrification Plan (UNEP) and supports President Museveni’s goal of universal electricity access as a key driver of national transformation. The government is also urging development partners, donors, and the private sector to contribute to expanding the initiative.
“With Solar M7, we are not just delivering energy; we are delivering hope, dignity, and opportunity to every corner of Uganda,” the minister concluded.
The Solar M7 campaign supports Uganda’s rich solar energy potential, benefiting from an average of 5.1 kWh/m²/day of sunlight, with solar energy levels remaining consistent throughout the year, varying by only 20%.
Currently, only about 50% of Ugandans have access to electricity, and just 24% enjoy power for more than four hours a day; however, the Solar M7 will provide a practical and timely solution to bridge this electricity gap and support the country’s development.
