DPF commissions solar power project in three schools in the West Nile region – July 23, 2025
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of the Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda (DPF), Dr. Julia Clare Olima Oyet (Mrs.), Mr. Patrick Onen Ezaga – Director Communications at the Fund commissioned a solar power installation project in three schools across the West Nile region on 23rd and 24th July, 2025. The beneficiary institutions are Lukutua Primary School in Yumbe District, Massio Hill Vocational School in Terego District, and St. Jude Taddeo Pacego Primary School in Pakwach District.
The initiative, undertaken as part of the Fund’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, is aimed at promoting access to clean and sustainable energy to support education in underserved communities. With the commissioning of the solar systems, the schools will benefit from improved lighting, extended study hours, and enhanced learning and teaching conditions for the pupils and teachers respectively.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies held at each school, Mr. Patrick Ezaga emphasized the importance of energy access in creating equitable opportunities for learners in rural areas.
“The Deposit Protection Fund of Uganda is proud to be part of this transformational journey—bringing clean, sustainable power to these vibrant communities. For far too long, some of our rural schools have operated without access to reliable electricity. Many classrooms remained dark on cloudy days or during evening hours, and learners were deprived of opportunities to revise, explore technology, or learn in safe and engaging environments. That reality changes today. Thanks to these installations, pupils now have the opportunity to compete favourable with their peers across the country, study after sunset, use digital learning tools and to experience improved safety and comfort within their school environment. This is about more than lights; it is about igniting dreams and nurturing potential”, he said.
Mr. Ezaga also took a moment to enlighten the audiences at the three institutions about what DPF is and what it does.
The DPF’s CSR program focuses on making meaningful contributions to communities, with special emphasis on health, quality education, safe water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy (Solar, renewal energy sources), climate action (Environment), financial literacy and humanitarian emergencies. The solar project in West Nile aligns with Uganda’s broader goals of expanding access to clean energy and improving the quality of education in rural areas.
Ms. Angucia Amana Mundua, the Head Teacher of Lukutua Primary School, said the solar system will have a lasting impact on both teaching and learning. She said, “This solar power will transform how we operate. Our pupils can now revise after dark, and this solar project has not only benefited learners in our school. Ever since the solar system was installed, we have students from neighbouring schools who come to Lukutua in the night for self-revision. We are truly grateful to the Deposit Protection Fund for remembering this solar system. I am confident that with the installation of this solar system, we shall have improved performance at Primary Leaving Examinations because we have extended teaching periods and learners can study in the night and early in the morning.”
At Massio Hill Vocational School, the Principal Mr. Charles Apeku noted that access to electricity would allow the school to integrate vocational training more effectively. He said, “We’ve long desired to offer evening practical sessions in tailoring and carpentry. Now, with solar power by our friends the Deposit Protection Fund, our students will benefit from hands-on experience, even after sunset. This is a big step forward for us,” he remarked.
Ms. Florence Yonikane, Head Teacher of St. Jude Taddeo Pacego Primary School, praised the project as a timely intervention for the school. “Previously we have had power challenges which affected evening revision lessons for our pupils. With this solar system, we can maintain a steady learning schedule all year round. This donation will have an enduring impact on our academic performance; help us run a printer to print examination papers for our learners and ultimately uphold the top position in the district. We are very grateful to DPF for this support.” she said.
Local leaders, education officials, and community members commended the DPF for choosing to invest in the region, noting that the solar installations will also improve safety and allow schools to integrate technology in teaching.
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