Energy access has long been a daily struggle in the village of Kijumba, Uganda, which is nestled along the routes of two dirty energy pipelines, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Multipurpose Pipeline. Families lived in darkness, relying on hazardous methods like burning dry grass or using torches to light their homes. For locals like Vesitiina Kyomukama, this meant her children had no light to study by, and her family often ate meals outside by moonlight, vulnerable to snake bites.
The solution arrived with the REPower Afrika Campaign, launched by 350 Africa and Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment (CECIC) an NGO seeking to transform environmental policies in Uganda. As part of this initiative, Vesitiina and 19 other women in the community received skills to install and maintain solar systems in their homes. The solar energy they harness now powers light & electricity in their homes safely, reduces reliance on firewood & improves education opportunities by allowing children to study at night. These women, in turn, even taught these skills to their children and entire family so everyone is well-versed in operating solar systems.
This energy freedom has given the women and locals of Kijumba a brighter future, along with the determination to advocate for renewable energy access across Uganda. Vesitiina and her fellow community members are now urging the Ugandan Government to make solar technology accessible for all, dreaming of a future for every home to shift from darkness to solar light.
