By Ronald Alele
Mukono, Uganda – Ddundu village in Kyampisi Sub-county, Mukono District, is the latest beneficiary of a solar-powered water system valued at UGX 100 million.
Commissioned by the Honourable Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, the project is part of a broader initiative to promote sustainable water access and agricultural productivity in rural Uganda.
This installation marks the fourth pilot project under a scheme spearheaded by the United Alliance for Sustainable Development Goals – Intergovernmental Organization (UnASDG-IGO) and its global partners.
Similar systems have already been set up in Wakiso District at Migadde Church of Uganda Primary School, Bukalango Charismatic Church in Kakiri Town Council, and Menvu Lutete in Nansana Municipality.
Each system provides safe, solar-powered water to between 200 and 500 households, catering to domestic needs while supporting agricultural ventures under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The initiative is seen as a lifeline for communities struggling with water scarcity, with far-reaching implications for health, food security, and economic empowerment.
During the launch, Minister Magyezi praised the timely completion of the project by Ambassador Mukesh Kumar and his team.
“This system is a testament to what dedicated partnerships can achieve,” he stated. “It is now up to the community to ensure its sustainability. Protect the solar panels and make full use of this resource to improve your lives and farming outputs.”
The minister also urged residents to maximize the opportunities presented by PDM funds, which can now be used effectively for agricultural production, given the availability of water.
Ambassador Mukesh Kumar, the Regional Head for East Africa, highlighted the project’s vision. “This is one of ten pilot systems, but we aim to scale up to 5,000 similar projects nationwide,” he revealed.
He noted that the systems address critical challenges by combining ecological sustainability with technological innovation, creating solutions that align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with K2 INFRAGEN Ltd (India), MAAN PRATAP MOBILITIES (India), GNDC, and SunGen Power LLC (USA).
These organizations bring expertise in renewable energy and sustainable development, ensuring the systems are durable and eco-friendly.
Residents of Ddundu expressed gratitude for the project, emphasizing its transformative potential. “Access to clean water has been a dream for us. This will help not only our homes but also our farms,” said one local farmer.
As Uganda moves towards achieving its green development goals, solar-powered systems like this provide a blueprint for addressing water and energy challenges while empowering communities.
The initiative also demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in delivering impactful solutions.
Minister Magyezi expressed optimism about the project’s scalability. “This is not just about water—it’s about transforming lives. With projects like this, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also paving the way for sustainable development across Uganda.”
