Transforming Rural Healthcare with Sustainable Energy Solutions
The Sustainable Off-Grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals in Africa (SophiA) Project has successfully commissioned an innovative solar-powered facility at Buvuma Health Centre IV, marking a significant milestone in improving healthcare access for off-grid communities across Africa.
The Launch Event
On 30 September 2025, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, represented by Dr Julia Kigozi, Dean of the School of Food Technology, Nutrition, and Bio-systems Engineering, officially commissioned the facility. Over 100 guests attended, including local government officials, healthcare professionals, university staff and students, and community members.
Systems Installed
Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu, the Project Coordinator in Uganda, outlined the advanced systems at Buvuma Health Centre IV:
Energy Systems:
- 36 kWp photovoltaic solar system with 13 kVA standby generator for continuous power
- Over 18 hours of reliable electricity daily, surpassing national averages
Water Systems:
- Safe drinking water through ultra-filtration
- De-ionised water using membrane capacitive de-ionisation technology
Thermal Solutions:
- Hot water and steam generation for cooking, bathing, and sterilisation
- Scheffler reflectors for outdoor cooking (reaching 200°C)
- Xsol water heaters for the maternity wing
Refrigeration:
- Environmentally friendly cooling units using natural refrigerants (propane R290)
- Medicine storage at +5°C
- Blood plasma storage at -30°C
- Vaccine storage for COVID-19 and Ebola at required temperatures
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Additionally, a 2 kWp PV MedPort was installed at Lukale Health Centre III for disease screening and youth outreach services. Both installations feature containerised units with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time monitoring and operational safety.
Impact and Future Vision
The facility now enables critical vaccine storage for outbreak response and supports essential services including the neonatal unit. Buvuma Health Centre IV will serve as a learning laboratory for Makerere University students and other institutions.
The project was implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and 12 consortium partners, with support from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Acknowledgements
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the late Prof. Noble Bannadda for his pivotal role in the project, and thanked the SophiA Project team including Prof. Nicholas Kiggundu (Principal Investigator), Dr Denis Muhangi, Dr Sarah Bimbona, and Mr Alvin Asingya. Special appreciation was extended to the European Union for funding this and several other initiatives at Makerere University.
