Yujo Izakaya, a leading establishment in the Nekosero shopping and lifestyle complex has set new standards in sustainability with its state-of-the-art solar energy infrastructure, developed in partnership with enPower.life. The project reflects a bold step toward green energy solutions in Uganda, catering to businesses and the growing e-mobility sector.
The solar-powered infrastructure includes a 35 kWp photovoltaic (PV) system installed on the rooftop of Yujo Izakaya, commissioned in July 2022. This system powers the entire complex, including three 11 kW electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, supporting Kampala’s burgeoning green transport sector.
Recognizing the need for tailored solutions, the project expanded in 2024 with an additional 5 kWp capacity to support a solar-powered charging station specifically for electric motorcycles (E-Bodas). This facility is utilized by Zembo and Women on Wheels, promoting safe and sustainable transportation for female drivers in the city.
Hanif Rehemtulla, founder and CEO of Yujo Izakaya, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.
“The opportunity offered by enPower.life enables us to take the most significant step towards our sustainability goal so far. By harvesting the sun’s power during the day, we will reduce the strain on our local electricity grid and encourage others to follow our example, while at the same time drastically reducing our electricity costs.”
Speaking at the unveiling of Yujo Izakaya’s solar-powered infrastructure, His Excellency Matthias Schauer, the German Ambassador to Uganda, lauded the country’s remarkable progress in renewable energy and emphasized Germany’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s sustainability goals.
“Fortunately, Uganda is very big on renewable energy: over 90% of the electricity in this country comes from hydropower – something western countries, including Germany, envy Uganda for,” Ambassador Schauer remarked.
He added, “And now, Uganda is tapping into solar energy more and more, another abundant resource in this country. I am very happy that Germany is able to contribute significantly to this development.”
Highlighting Germany’s role, the ambassador noted that renewable energy is a key focus of the bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
“Both GIZ and KfW are very active in this field. And now, the German Energy Agency (dena), acting on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action, is hosting this wonderful event and supporting the German company enPower.life in setting up solar power supplies across Uganda. This is a great example of collaboration between Germany and Uganda in advancing sustainable development.”
Germany’s global leadership in renewable energy has positioned it as a pioneer in transitioning to a low-carbon, sustainable economy. However, Schauer acknowledged the challenges involved in this transition:
He noted, “The German economy is struggling a bit at the moment, and one of the challenges we face is the energy transition – shifting from a clear dominance of coal, oil, gas, and nuclear to a low-carbon and nuclear-free economy based on renewable sources. We need big investments in offshore wind, solar photovoltaics, and energy storage to balance the fluctuating supply of renewables. That’s not an easy task, and the private sector must play a very active role.”
The ambassador praised Yujo Izakaya’s innovative approach to sustainability, describing it as a model for others. “This is exactly what we are witnessing here today: a private company, Yujo Izakaya, is looking ahead and renting its solar power supply from another private company, enPower.life. The German government is just providing some encouragement and support to make things easier. That is a recipe that works and will hopefully set an example for many other companies to follow,” he lauded.
Ambassador Schauer expressed gratitude to all contributors, particularly Yujo Izakaya, dena, and enPower.life.
“By bringing clean and affordable solar energy solutions to Ugandan businesses, enPower.life is making a valuable contribution to the country’s journey toward sustainable development and helping to unlock Uganda’s significant solar potential,” he stated.
He also highlighted enPower.life’s unique approach to local engagement. “While many German companies operate regionally from hubs like Nairobi, it is especially encouraging to see German SMEs like enPower.life investing directly in Uganda. The company not only creates local value but also invests in the training and development of Ugandan employees. This commitment ensures that the benefits of sustainable energy are deeply rooted within the Ugandan community, fostering long-term growth.”
Schauer emphasized the broader impact of the project, calling it a contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “The solar charging stations for e-bodas and e-cars will help boost e-mobility in the region. Furthermore, enPower.life’s support for the community of female e-boda drivers is a commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women.”
The initiative is backed by enPower.life, a company leveraging nearly 25 years of expertise from Envidatec, a German energy efficiency and renewable energy pioneer. enPower.life specializes in making solar energy accessible to businesses in Uganda without requiring significant upfront investments. By managing every stage from planning and installation to operation and maintenance enPower.life ensures seamless implementation of solar projects.
The company, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, has expanded its footprint in Uganda with an office and showroom at Nekosero Complex on Kyadondo Road, Kampala. It operates over 300 kWp of solar installations across prominent sites, including Aquarius Kigo Resort, Case Hospital, the International University of East Africa, and Masindi Hotel, with an additional 330 kWp planned for the near future.
This project is part of the Renewable Energy Solutions (RES) Programme, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and implemented by the German Energy Agency (dena). The initiative aims to position German expertise in renewable energy worldwide, fostering sustainable development aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
By integrating cutting-edge German technology with local energy needs, enPower.life is transforming Uganda’s energy landscape. Businesses interested in exploring solar solutions can contact Sheila Kubiita, Development Coordinator at enPower.life, via sheila.kubiita@enpower.life or visit enpower.life for more information.
