As the sun sets over the lush, rolling hills of Uganda, a quiet transformation is taking place, one solar panel at a time. At the heart of this revolution is LUK Solar, a pioneering social enterprise that is bringing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions to the country’s rural communities.
LUK Solar was born out of a profound need – the need to provide safe, clean energy to the 70% of Ugandans who lack access to the national grid. Founded in 2015 by John Baptist Walusimbi and his German partners, Kurt Zügner and Lisa Zügner, the company has since grown under the leadership of Walusimbi’s son, Jude Kigozi, who joined the team in 2018.
“Our business model is unique,” says Kigozi, we focus on providing scalable solar systems, solar fridges, and solar lighting that are accessible and affordable, even for the most remote communities. This focus on productive use and pay-as-you-go financing has set LUK Solar apart, enabling them to make a tangible impact on the lives of those they serve.
And the impact is undeniable. In just a few short years, LUK Solar has installed over 10,000 solar home systems in more than 20 villages, benefiting over 40,000 households. They’ve also created 30 jobs for their Solar Scouts and partnered with women’s groups, training them in the handling of solar products. The results have been transformative – improved school performance, enhanced security, and increased incomes for some women.
But the journey has not been without its challenges. “Payment defaults and reaching remote areas have been our biggest hurdles,” Kigozi acknowledges. We’ve adapted, using solar-powered e-bikes, the PayGops app, and an online dashboard to monitor and support our field agents.
As LUK Solar looks to the future, their ambitions are bold and unwavering. “Our products will become ubiquitous in Ugandan households,” Kigozi declares. We plan to expand to more districts, targeting the 70% of the population without access to reliable energy. Our goal is to establish LUK Solar as the go-to brand for village energy solutions.
It’s a vision fueled by a deep commitment to sustainability, job creation, and community empowerment. With the support of their founders and partners, LUK Solar is rewriting the renewable energy narrative in rural Uganda, one solar panel at a time. For Details.
