MPIGI: Empower International Academy in Mpigi District has commissioned a solar power system aimed at reducing electricity costs and ensuring more reliable power for learning and school operations.
The project was commissioned on September 14 at the Christian mixed international boarding secondary school in Nsanjere, along Mityana Road, with students, school leaders, sponsors and project partners hailing the development as a step towards cleaner and more reliable energy.
The school offers the Cambridge curriculum to students in Years 8 to 13 and is owned and operated by Music For Life, a non-governmental organisation promoting Christian education in Uganda and across Africa.
The head of school, Mr Edward Muwonge said frequent power cuts, blown transformers and interruptions caused by fallen power lines had affected the school.
“We faced many challenges, especially with many power cuts, blown transformers and weather interruptions with fallen powerlines,” Mr Muwonge said.
He said the project, supported by Engineering Ministries International and sponsors Andy and Carol, would provide more reliable electricity while encouraging students to embrace renewable energy and environmental conservation.
Mr Muwonge also encouraged prospective students and parents to learn more about the school ahead of its February 2027 intake.
“We welcome prospective students and parents to learn more about Empower International Academy, our programmes and the February 2027 intake through our website (www.eia.ac.ug) and social media platforms,” he said.
Christine, the students’ vice president, said the project would support uninterrupted learning and reduce the school’s electricity expenditure.
“This solar project promises uninterrupted learning classrooms lit without fear of darkness, lessons flowing smoothly, and students thriving,” she said.
Nagooli explained that money saved on electricity bills could be channelled into other school needs and pledged that students would help care for the system.
Year 12 student Michelle presented a poem celebrating solar power, describing the sun as a gift from God and a source of hope and energy. Student Ronnie led the gathering in prayer.
Mr Abraham Kiyingi, the Music For Life country director, said the organisation had deliberately embraced solar energy as part of its vision for the future.
He commended Engineering Ministries International for delivering the project and urged students to understand the importance of renewable energy.
Mr Kiyingi also acknowledged Music For Life’s East African Operations Director, Ms Sally’s enduring spirit, even in her absence.
A message from sponsors Andy and Carol was read by student Jeremiah. The couple, who support the African Children’s Choir and sponsor two students, including Jeremiah, said their decision to fund the project was driven by their confidence in Music For Life’s education programmes and their belief that young people can help build a greener and healthier future.
They said the solar installation would reduce the school’s energy costs, improve power reliability and provide cleaner energy, while helping Uganda diversify its electricity sources.
The sponsors noted that although hydropower provides clean electricity, Uganda’s reliance on a limited number of hydroelectric facilities leaves the energy supply vulnerable to drought and other environmental challenges. They encouraged students to advocate for greater use of renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy.
Elly, an electrical engineer and project partner, said the project had faced challenges but provided valuable lessons.
“Though the project had ups and downs, it brought knowledge and hope to our community,” he said.
He said Engineering Ministries International had completed seven similar projects.
Henry Otheieno from Tusafishe urged students to link renewable energy with wider environmental responsibility, particularly cleanliness and water hygiene.
Michael from Engineering Ministries International encouraged the students to become problem-solvers.
“The world faces many problems, but it needs people like you, solution makers who use every chance given,” he said.
The commissioning ended with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Mr Kiyingi, followed by cheers from students and staff as the solar installation was formally unveiled.
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