M4H Innovation Fund lessons and outcomes: Enabling access to energy through innovative battery solutions by UHD in Uganda

The GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund aims to promote innovation in using mobile technology to address humanitarian challenges. The second round of the Fund focused on providing support to test new technical solutions; catalyse ideas to improve or transform institutional systems; and enable solutions to empower, assist or protect individuals and communities affected by complex emergencies and forced displacement.

This case study document shares lessons and outcomes from our project with the United Healthcare Distributors (UHD). UHD is a leading Ugandan distributor of consumer goods, partnering with VAC Solar, an Anglo-Belgian group with distribution rights for POPO technology. Using a grant from the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund, the partners developed the Community Solar Hub Project, a rental network using the innovative POPO battery solution to increase access to affordable, reliable power in Arua, Kokobo and Rhino Refugee Camp in northern Uganda.