Despite Kasese boasting a high hydro power potential because of some of its major high gravity flow rivers including Mubuku, Sebwe, Nyamughasana and Nyamwamba, nearly 90% of the rural households rely on kerosene and candles due to extremely low grid access.
However, Kiima foods in conjunction with other partners are implementing a project called Single Wire Earth Return (SWER), an alternative power source which is undoubtedly transforming rural areas.
Speaking to Messiah Radio yesterday while at Kuruhe village, Buhuhira Sub- County in Busongora County North, Edgar Bwambale, the Agribusiness Officer at Kiima Foods, explained that Single Wire Earth Return is a solar powered system which generates 45 Kilo Watts of energy and is transmitted by a single wire of just 2 millimeters.
He emphasized that it involves aligning multiple bigger solar panels on top of the power house to collectively achieve power, adding that in their pilot study, they had connected two communities including Kuruhe and Mbata where the beneficiaries are recounting positive testimonies.
Bwambale added that the project had enabled them to ruin darkness in Kuruhe trading center and that the locals are being encouraged to buy several electric gadgets.
Recounting their testimonies, residents especially Janet Kabugho, a – 40- year- old mother of 4, elaborated that her children are now able to revise their books at night and that charging her phone is no longer a challenge.
Joshua Kule unveiled that he was now able to save money that he previously used to buy candles.
Richard Syalya, the Kuruhe village L.C I Chairperson, said that there was need to connect more households reflecting on the potentials of the alternative power source.
ENDS