Makerere University’s Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has launched Africa’s largest campus-based solar power system, marking a major leap in sustainable energy and health innovation on the continent.
The 384-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar grid, installed at the IDI-McKinnell Knowledge Centre, was officially inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The $380,000 project will significantly reduce the institute’s reliance on the national power grid, lower operational costs, and improve energy reliability for health research and services.
“This is a proud moment for Makerere,” said Prof. Nawangwe during the launch. “We continue to shine because of centres of excellence like IDI. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the transformation of African science.”
The event also saw the unveiling of a medical drone initiative aimed at improving the delivery of essential drugs to hard-to-reach communities in areas such as Buvuma, Kalangala, and West Nile.
The drones have already achieved success, with over four years of delivering antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) and a 95% viral suppression rate among recipients.
Prof. Samuel Abimerech Luboga, Chairperson of IDI’s Board of Directors, described the solar grid as a model for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership.
“This project demonstrates our commitment to renewable energy and sustainable healthcare delivery,” he said. “We will ensure that all IDI initiatives—from solar to data labs—deliver real community value.”
IDI’s Head of Finance and Administration, Ms. Susan Lamunu Shereni, reported that the grid will save the institute approximately $85,000 annually and recover its cost within five years. “Even on cloudy days, we generate power,” she said. “We also anticipate cutting our carbon emissions by 25,000 kilograms each year.”
The solar system is part of a broader green initiative by IDI, which has already installed similar energy systems at 150 health facilities across Uganda. The effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3—Good Health and Wellbeing—while contributing to other SDGs like Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Climate Action (SDG 13).
Mr. Patrick, Coordinator of IDI’s Medical Drones Project, explained that the technology is helping to bridge logistical gaps in health supply chains. “We’ve recorded 100% treatment response rates in some areas and continue expanding our reach,” he noted.
The dual launch was attended by leading academics and researchers, including Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, Prof. Edward Bbaale, Dr. Andrew Kambugu (Executive Director, IDI), Dr. Robert Kalyesubula, and Prof. David Serwadda—author of Uganda’s first HIV/AIDS paper.
Together, these innovations signal IDI’s emergence as a continental hub for health technology, renewable energy, and equitable service delivery.
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