One of the Solar Mini‑Grid Projects implemented by NOA Uganda in Lamwo DistrictCommunities in Northern Uganda that once lived in darkness are witnessing growing economic activity, improved social services, and expanding business opportunities following the rollout of solar mini-grid projects supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the European Union, and the Government of Uganda.Implemented by NOA Uganda under the GIZ-backed “Promoting Mini Grids for Rural Electrification” programme, the projects in Lamwo District and the Palabek Refugee Settlement are increasingly being viewed as a scalable and sustainable model for delivering clean energy in rural and humanitarian settings.The projects are helping bridge long-standing electricity access gaps in one of Uganda’s most underserved regions while supporting businesses, schools, health centres, and households with reliable renewable energy.Power AccessThe Lamwo Solar Mini Grids Project consists of 25 solar-powered mini-grids with a combined installed capacity of about 936kWp, supplying electricity to more than 2,300 households, businesses, and institutions across the district since commissioning in 2022.The Palabek Solar Mini Grids Project complements this effort through three isolated solar-powered mini-grids serving refugee and host communities with a combined capacity of about 140kWp.Local ImpactOne of the facilities is located in Lapinyiny village in Paloga Sub-county, Lamwo District, where residents say electricity has significantly changed livelihoods and accelerated development in the trading centre.During a recent media visit to Lamwo by Business Focus and other reporters to assess the impact of the projects, Denis Ongalo, a technician at the facility, said the community has experienced visible transformation since the mini-grid was established in 2021/2022.“Before this power, people used to go and get doors from Kitgum and Gulu because there was no welding machine here,” Ongalo said. “Nowadays, they have welding machines here, whereby they do everything for people.”The Lapinyiny mini-grid operates using 96 solar panels generating up to 40 kilowatts of electricity distributed to homes and institutions through a battery-supported AC power system.According to Ongalo, about 100 homes are connected to the facility, with households paying an average connection fee of UGX769,000. Monthly electricity bills average around UGX36,000 depending on consumption levels.Businesses, schools, and health centres are among the major beneficiaries of the project. Ongalo noted that the mini-grid supplies electricity more reliably than many alternatives available in the area.Growing DemandResidents say access to electricity has improved living conditions while also supporting economic activities such as welding, agro-processing, refrigeration, retail trade, and milling.Another business operator in Lapinyiny said the project has brought hope and convenience to the community.“Solar power has helped us a lot. We used to be in the dark, now we have our businesses and homes connected with light and we are happy with the service,” he said.Ongalo added that demand for electricity continues to rise as more trading centres expand and nearby communities request to be connected to the mini-grid network.“I was born in this area,” he said. “When I was young, this centre only had about four buildings, but nowadays it is expanding every month because people are developing.”Beyond improving livelihoods, the projects also reduce dependence on diesel generators, kerosene, and dry-cell batteries, contributing to cleaner energy use and climate goals.Development experts say the Lamwo and Palabek projects offer important lessons for future donor-supported rural electrification initiatives, particularly on how public-private partnerships backed by GIZ, the European Union, and the Government of Uganda can accelerate inclusive economic growth through decentralized renewable energy solutions. The post GIZ, EU Solar Mini-Grids Transform Lives in Northern Uganda appeared first on Business Focus.