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.

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Uganda has received another consignment of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccines from Egypt, comprising 2.5 million doses.

The shipment was officially received yesterday by the Special Forces Commander, Maj Gen David Mugisha, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The reception event, also witnessed by Col McDans Kamugira, the CDF’s Military Assistant, featured Egyptian representatives including MEVAC Sales Manager Dr. Amgad Nagy from the Egyptian agriculture ministry and the Egyptian Defence Attaché to Uganda, Brig Gen Mohamed Embaby.

This is the third consignment of FMD vaccines from Egypt, following earlier deliveries of 3 million doses each in May and July this year.

The initial batches were received in the presence of Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, and the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), Frank Tumwebaze.

The FMD outbreak has led to quarantines in 32 districts across Uganda, causing considerable distress in the cattle corridor. Affected districts include Luwero, Gomba, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, and Sembabule, Mubende among others.

To mitigate the spread of the disease, the Ministry of Agriculture has imposed restrictions on the movement of livestock and livestock products into, out of, or through these districts.

Uganda’s total susceptible livestock population requires 44 million doses of FMD vaccines annually, necessitating a bi-annual vaccination programme costing approximately $176 million per year. The recent shipments from Egypt are expected to significantly bolster Uganda’s vaccination efforts.

The timely delivery of the vaccines follows proactive engagement between the CDF and Egyptian authorities.

In October, the CDF met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in Cairo, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, the Egyptian government has previously donated equipment to support the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) in enhancing local vaccine production.

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The Independent candidate Akifeza Grace Ngabirano has won the District Woman Member of Parliament seat for Kisoro District.

Akifeza won with 50,459 votes defeating NRM’s candidate, Kabagyeni Rose who garnered 44,982 votes.

National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Zubedi Sultana Salim garnered 903 votes, while UPC candidate Ingabire Mable got 362 votes.  Musanase Juliet of FDC got 193 votes while Cyimpaye Aisha of PPP came last after polling 157 votes.

According to the Electoral Commission, the total number of valid votes cast for candidates were 97,056.

Nayebare Daniel being the Returning Officer for Kisoro electoral District having added up the number of votes cast as recorded on each Declaration of Results Form in accordance with Section 72 of the Parliamentary Elections Act (Cap177), declared Akifezi Grace as the winner.

Akifezi first contested on the NRM ticket but was defeated by Kabagyeni Rose. Akifezi raised complaints of vote rigging though no one attended to them.

During the final days of the campaigns rallied by President Museveni who came to show support for Kabagyeni Rose (NRM flag bearer), Akitezi was in attendance and most of the voices from the crowd chanted her name as their favorite candidate.

However, Museveni urged Akifezi’s team that if there was any vote rigging they should provide evidence and the criminals be apprehended.

“You can reveal to us the evidence, and we will investigate. Even if the elections are done. The perpetrators of the stolen votes will be apprehended and her win withdrawn. So, don’t divide yourselves due to the said issues. Don’t bring back that cancer,” Museveni said.

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Reach a Hand Uganda (RAHU) in partnership with Sauti Plus Media Hub have launched the Leesu FemPower Project that is dedicated to uplifting and empowering female filmmakers and enhancing Uganda’s film industry.

The Leesu FemPower project will provide a platform for young women to share their stories and address critical societal issues by amplifying their voices and building their capacity to drive positive social change in Uganda.

This project aims to foster creativity, offer relevant resources and encourage collaboration to enable young aspiring female filmmakers create compelling films that will highlight and address pressing societal issues like gender inequality, women’s rights, social stereotypes, education and sexual and reproductive health issues.

Through Leesu FemPower, the young women will have access to capacity building opportunities to enhance their storytelling skills and use their talent to advocate for a more equitable society through their films.

Beneficiaries of the project will receive a grant at the end of their training to support the production of compelling stories that young women and girls go through in their different communities like Female Genital Mutilation, Fistula, high teenage pregnancy rates and gender-based violence.

While speaking during the launch, Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer, Reach a Hand Uganda, said that the project will amplify the voices of our mothers, daughters, wives and sisters so they can ably tell their authentic stories through film and documentaries.

“We recently premiered a documentary on Sex and Climate Change that highlighted the high teenage pregnancy rate and early marriages affecting young girls in Kiryandongo District. We also covered a story titled, Sex for Pads in 2020 that created awareness on the challenges teenage girls experience. Consequently we have seen the decrease in teenage pregnancy rates in the Kasese and Rwenzori region,” Humphrey said.

The Leesu FemPower project lead from Sauti Plus Media Hub, Doreen Nabbanja said that the project comes at such a critical time to enhance the power of storytelling in addressing key social issues that women encounter.

“We are proud of this concept and we’re looking forward to seeing these young women showcase their stories come May 2025 when we intend to host our first film festival and give a platform to other filmmakers across the country so they can have their chance to showcase their impactful stories,” she added.

Leesu FemPower is helping to further Reach a Hand Uganda’s commitment to advancing social behavioural change through film and arts in Uganda. The organisation is also supporting many young people to get knowledge and correct information on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues so they can make more informed decisions.

Reach a Hand is also implementing programs like Kwiso Mu Cinema and the Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellowship which are advancing youth advocacy and social change by empowering young people in local communities in Uganda.

RAHU is a youth-centred organisation founded in 2011, dedicated to empowering young people across Uganda through Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) initiatives, HIV/AIDS awareness, livelihoods, and skills development programs. RAHU aims to amplify young voices in both rural and urban communities, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed life choices. In collaboration with Save the Children under the RAISE project, RAHU is committed to strengthening community support structures that foster positive gender and social norms, empowering young people to make life-changing decisions regarding their SRHR.

Sauti was born from over 10 years of real-world experience in the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) communications space through activities of Reach A Hand Uganda (RAHU). Hence a unique perspective of the needs of the client and expectations of the target audience. Sauti also creates impactful and proven solutions that not only challenge the industry norms but also deliver tangible long-term results.

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Manafwa District has lost two councilors and five others in a road accident where a taxi (drone) registration UBP 574J rammed into a parked sugarcane truck (registration UAF 333B) on the Jinja-Iganga Highway at Kakira.

The accident occurred at around 5 am as the taxi was travelling from Namisindwa-Manafwa to Kampala.

The confirmed councilors were; John Wangolo of Weswa sub-county and kaabale Godfrey of Manafwa Town Council.

Eight people have suffered severe injuries and are being attended to at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

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