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Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University Centre (R) launching the SOPHiA Project in presence of University Researchers. By Julius Mugaga / KMA Updates.
KAMPALA-UGANDA: Uganda to get one hospital equipped with sustainable energy supply for its operations under the Sustainable Off-grid Solutions for Pharmacies and Hospitals (SOPHiA) project.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe launching the SOPHiA Project. Photo by Julius Mugaga/KMA Updates.
About a half Million Euros will be invested in this initiative and thirteen partners have joined to have the project accomplished here in Uganda and other three hospitals, in Malawi, Cameroon and Burkina Faso.
While launching the project on Wednesday Makerere University Don Prof. Dr. Barnabas Nawangwe commended the partnership of Colleges of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS), and Business Administration and Management Sciences (CoBAMS) on the ongoing research on the four year project (running from Oct 2021 to 31st/Sept/2025) funded by European Union is aimed at providing solutions for sustainable energy supply for one Health Centre IV in Uganda with a pilot study to be done in (Kakumiro, Nakasongola and Kayunga) Districts.
He asked that Makerere University should always exhibit a multi-disciplinary approach towards emerging issues, research and projects to better realize the set goals.
He affirmed that, the University management will continue investing in research as well as partnering with other researchers around the world in order to maintain their aim of being the leading Research/ Premier institution in the region.
Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe delivering his remarks during the SOPHiA launch at Makerere University. Photo by Julius Mugaga/KMA Updates.
Buyinza mukadasi the Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University who represented Deputy Vice Chancellor and Academics emphasized on the key principles of the University being Teaching, Research and Outreach especially to the Graduate School that the Institution may benefit the community.
Prof. Buyinza mukadasi, the Director of Research and Graduate Training at Makerere University delivering his remarks during the SOPHiA launch. Julius Mugaga/KMA Updates.
Mukadasi recognizes that the project conforms with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), (3) Good Health and Well-being (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, suitable (13) Climate Act and others.
It’s on this note that he pledged that the Directorate will be there to provide them with institutional Support to harness different emerging issues in Research docket.
Dr. Kiggundu Nicholas from College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES). the Principal Investigator on behalf of the SOPHiA Project. Photo by Julius Mugaga/ KMA Updates.
In addition, the Principle Investigator of the Project Dr. Kiggundu Nicholas from College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES) admits that the project is looking at;
Providing stable and steady energy supply to a Health Center by adopting renewable energy/Use of Solar power.
Ensuring safe and proper storage of medicines/refrigeration at a Health Center.
Purification of water in a bid to guard the population against usage of contaminated water that may lead to water borne diseases.
Maintaining hospital temperatures by providing a suitable energy system for the safety of hospital equipment and the patients.
Emphasizing use of solar energy for home-based activities like cooking, heating and other energy related activities which in turn saves the environment from pollution among other issues.
Makerere University has partnered with Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in order to achieve the aims of the Project.
Mr. Tumuhimbise John, the Commissioner of Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development delivering his remarks. Photo by Julius Mugaga/ KMA Updates.
The Commissioner of Renewable Energy in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Mr. Tumuhimbise John has affirmed the Research team of available support being that the project has come in time when the government is on the verge of implementing the Renewable Energy Policy as per the Vision 2040.
Tumuhimbise says the policy is looking at Universal energy for all sectors of the economy.
He however says, in the policy, the ministry has prioritized Health Centers, District Headquarters and Schools.