The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo, has announced the government’s plan to equip over 60 schools with solar energy systems to enhance learning, particularly in schools not connected to the national electricity grid.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education and Sports, is part of the government’s efforts to provide reliable, renewable energy to support education. While commissioning a 19-kilowatt solar power system installed by Nexus Green Solar Power Company at Balibaseka Secondary School in Kakiri Sub County, Muyingo emphasized that this initiative will also consider private schools that significantly contribute to the education sector.
He stated, “Solar energy is the way to go if we are to keep this pearl of Africa beautiful as it is supposed to be.” The minister also expressed concerns about the declining attendance in schools despite the government’s push for universal education, including in secondary schools.
Asaf Abenitwe, head of the construction unit at the Ministry of Education and Sports, revealed that the solar project will initially focus on 60 schools, with $5.5 million from the World Bank. He explained that needs-based criteria will be used to select the schools and that the government aims to reach 170 schools, with activities starting in the third and fourth quarters of the financial year.
Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister for Education and Sports, in a message delivered by Muyingo, expressed gratitude to Nexus Green for their support in tackling climate change and promoting the use of solar energy in schools. She highlighted that renewable energy not only provides affordable and clean electricity but also extends study hours for learners, reduces electricity costs, and supports e-learning as part of the government’s quality education initiative.
The First Lady added that the government is committed to protecting the solar systems from vandalism and called for a collaborative effort to ensure their sustainability.
David Bbaale, head teacher of Balibaseka Secondary School, said that the lack of reliable electricity had hindered the use of modern educational resources, particularly in science and digital learning. The new solar system, he added, brings the school closer to overcoming these challenges.
Engineer Moses Baligye, Managing Director of Nexus Green, explained that the Balibaseka project serves as a pilot to demonstrate the effectiveness of their solar system, which costs 78 million shillings and is expected to reduce the school’s electricity bills by 65%. The system also features remote monitoring capabilities for timely troubleshooting.
-URN
