So you woke up this morning, turned on the lights in all the rooms you move through in preparation to start your day. If you took a warm shower, you either have a water heater or means to heat up your bath water fast, maybe you had to straighten that shirt/blouse. Either way somehow somewhere you used electricity this morning and hope to do so again this evening when you get home.
Having electricity is one of those things considered a right or a privilege depending on which part of the world you are. Research has shown that access to electricity is linked to a better quality of life especially when it comes to health services. Increasing access to electricity would then mean extending national grids to all the corners of the country.
The grid is basically a collection of thousands of miles of copper or Aluminium cables, power generators, transformers, substations, switch gears and the like connected systematically to transfer power from where it is generated to where it is consumed. So extending the grid usually involves expensive equipment and line losses each of which the power company should be able to get back should they choose to extend the grid. Not to mention huge losses due to theft both by dubious consumers and by thieves cutting power cables for other uses.
As such rural areas have been marginalized for years with the grid connecting only major towns and covering a very small radius around the town. For instance Kumi Uganda where my mom lives has power to a radius of only 6 Km and that’s because there is a Leprosy center (Kumi Hospital) 6 Km away from town and of course the connection is solely meant for the hospital. It goes without saying that politicians have taken advantage of this quest for or rather remote dream of grid power by making empty promises to the local dwellers in exchange for votes.
Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development(MEMD) created Rural Electrification Agency(REA) to help the government achieve an electrification rate of 22% by 2022 from 1% in 2012. More recently the Government of Uganda received funds from the world bank, the federal republic of Germany and the European Commision for Grant Financing to electrify poor households. According to an inception report by M&E Associates Ltd on “Consultancy Services to Enhance Connections to Poor Households in Selected Rural Electrification Projects”, this project is aimed at connecting 130,000 households. A criteria is used to select the eligible households in different parts of the country. “Households spending at least shs.12,000 monthly on kerosene, candles and dry cells will be considered able to afford the electricity”, Dr.Namuli Rachel PhD, the contract manager on the project noted.
Projects like this put a smile on my face knowing that little by little access to electricity is increasing in hope for better standards of living, something the government has in mind. However this is limited to areas with access to the national grid which still leaves us with the problem of access to this grid and the monopoly of power distribution companies.
This calls for other means of power distribution and generation that can reach areas the grid will take decades to. The answer is in microgrids. Microgrids borrow an idea of backup or independent power systems like that inverter battery or solar system you, your friend or someone you know owns. It is a small scale power system that can supply a localized community. Basically, the grid on small scale. It may operate connected to the main grid or independently.
Operating independently requires it to have its own source of electricity which can be Solar, wind, pico hydro, biogas, diesel among others.
For instance by implementing a small pico-hydro project that serves a small community of say 50 households within a radius of say 2 Km, makes a big difference. The households then agree on contributing an amount of money for the maintenance of the project. We’ve streams and small rivers in North Western,South Western and Eastern regions of Uganda that make pico-hydro projects viable like Anyau in Arua, Tokwe in Bundibugyo and Ririma in Kapchorwa among others. Gwere-Luzira village in Moyo is a beneficiary of these pico-hydro projects built on river Amua with 500W capacity. MEMD and German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) implemented this.
Solar being a readily available resource not limited by location and availability of the river is another option with high potential. Uganda and most of Africa being Agricultural economies, Biogas too is viable and in fact is being used as a source of lighting and cooking in some parts of Uganda.
This microgrid idea has already been embraced by different companies,governments and individuals in different parts of Africa and Uganda. PowerGen Renewable Energy has installed microgrids in Kenya and Zambia with renewable technologies and diesel engines to help with intermittence issues. Village Energy have a product called centralized microgrid that enables landlords in slums to provide electricity for lighting and phone charging via solar battery systems to their tenants. Joint Energy and Environment Project installed a microgrid for 102 households in Kasese with Solar. All these systems are for areas that are offgrid. Financing or payment for the service/technology varies with the company and size of installation.
Microgrid for rural electricity access has these advantages
- Cost of setup: Being a small scale development, funding can be obtained from different non governmental organisations or even among consumers, industry players or social entrepreneurs. It actually presents a good investment opportunity to individuals like any other business with long term returns would.
- Affordability: Capital cost contributes a lot to the cost of electricity. Being offset by a lower capital cost, microgrid electricity is affordable especially because electricity demand is mainly for lighting, phone charging and health centers. This is good news for the investor, he can get his money back over a short period of time. Also because there is no fixed cost of electricity, it depends on the system installed, electricity can be way more affordable or at least competitive with the grid electricity.
- Reliability: Radial extension of the grid makes reliability of power an issue. Case in point, when something happens to the power line from Mbale, the whole of Palisa has no power till it is fixed. Microgrids being independent of this are easier to troubleshoot and fix therefore more reliable.
- Expansion of electricity access: It goes without saying, microgrids would increase access to electricity for communities far from the national grid without having to extend the grid.
- Employment opportunities: It would provide employment for people managing the microgrid, installation and maintenance technicians. It would also encourage entrepreneurs to design and build microgrid components at home which would further help the economy of the country.
- Reduces monopoly of the power companies: Because microgrids can be owned by companies, individuals or villages, this cuts down the monopoly that comes with one company managing power distribution. Of course the advantages and disadvantages of this can make for another blog post.
- Modular and can be used with various sources: This is a big advantage of microgrids. Modules can be added to the system to increase the number of connected houses which makes sizing and expansion easier. Microgrids can also be built with a wide combination of clean energy technologies and as the connections increase, the sources can also be added.
In summary, microgrids are a tried and proven way to increase access to electricity to rural off grid communities. They cost less to install and maintain than extending the grid which makes them affordable for poor yet paying communities. We need more people and governments investing in this to increase the standard of living in Uganda. As mentioned before, microgrids can also be done for communities already connected to the grid and want to strike a balance on cost of electricity or have back up ( be self sufficient) in case of failure of the main grid. In Africa though, this is still a luxury.
Let us know what other ways you think access to electricity can be increased in Uganda or Africa at large.
image: University of Notre Dame
Based in Kampala, Jemimah Akiror is an electrical engineer and tech writer at Dignited.com. With a passion for innovation and problem-solving, she explores the intersection of hardware, connectivity, and everyday tech in Africa. Whether breaking down complex systems or reviewing the latest gadgets, Jemimah brings a practical, engineer’s perspective to the digital world. Outside of tech, she enjoys DIY projects, cycling, and Kampala’s vibrant café scene.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
