Training of Trainers Workshop
From 23 to 27 June 2025, Makerere University hosted a comprehensive Training of Trainers workshop to establish a skilled pool of technicians for system maintenance and repairs. Participants were selected from diverse backgrounds including recent engineering graduates, university technical staff, Buvuma District officials, and electricians from Kampala.
Training Modules
Day One: Solar Energy Technologies Led by Dr Peter Tumutegyereize and Dr Francis Mujjuni, participants explored:
- Sustainable energy systems (bioenergy, hydro, wind, geothermal, battery storage)
- Solar radiation, geometry, and atmospheric impacts
- Solar thermal technologies (water heaters, dryers)
- Photovoltaic systems (cell technology, performance diagnostics)
- System simulation and applications
Day Two: Water Treatment Technologies Facilitated by Sneha De and Mr Duc Dinh Ngoc from Hochschule Karlsruhe University, with contributions from Dr Joshua Wanyama and Dr Prossie Nakawuka:
- Biological and physical/chemical water treatment methods
- SophiA modular water treatment system (ultrafiltration and MCDI)
- Membrane capacitive deionisation technology
- Water quality management protocols
- Hands-on laboratory water quality testing
Day Three: Refrigeration and Cold Storage Experts covered sustainable cooling solutions for healthcare:
- Solar-powered and biomass-based refrigeration
- Thermal energy storage methods
- Natural refrigerants (propane, ammonia, CO₂)
- Safety protocols for flammable refrigerants
- Life cycle analysis of solar refrigeration systems
- SophiA cooling containers in practice
Day Four: World Refrigeration Day & Field Visit Coordinated by Dr Sarah Bimbona and Dr Nicholas Kiggundu, participants:
- Visited Buvuma Health Centre IV to observe the installed system
- Engaged with local stakeholders including Buvuma District Local Government and Buganda Kingdom representatives
- Witnessed the launch of SophiA Water, an entrepreneurial initiative designed to generate local revenue for system operation and maintenance
- Received training certificates
Key Training Partners
Training was delivered by experts from:
- Makerere University (Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology)
- Hochschule Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
- Busitema University
Sustainability and Impact
The comprehensive training programme ensures long-term sustainability of the SophiA system through local capacity building. The introduction of SophiA Water as a revenue-generating enterprise demonstrates an innovative approach to financing operation and maintenance costs whilst providing clean water to the community.
The SophiA project represents a transformative approach to healthcare infrastructure in off-grid settings, combining cutting-edge renewable energy technology with local capacity development to ensure equitable access to healthcare and energy across Africa.
