Uganda Batteries Ltd. is owned by well known Ugandan entrepreneur James Mulwana. Apart from one of the foremost battery companies in the country, Mulwana also owns one of the largest dairy farms and a household plastic company (Nice House of Plastics Ltd). “Practically every household in Uganda has one of our products in their home.” says Mulwana. “We hope to accomplish the same with WakaWaka.”
The agreement with Uganda Batteries is an early breakthrough for WakaWaka which was launched only this summer. Off-Grid Solutions has received interest from over 80 countries around the world including many western countries. “In the U.S., people have embraced the WakaWaka and are using them for disaster preparation, bedside reading, nite lights for the children, camping and other outdoor activities. Once the consumer tried their first WakaWaka Solar Lamp the word of mouth took off. The reviews we get on Amazon for example are practically off the charts,” states Camille van Gestel, one of the co-founders. “The profit we make in the US and Europe are used to keep margins elsewhere (for example Asia and Africa) as low as possible. This commitment in Uganda is the first of many that will benefit from the sustainable business model we have developed for delivering, safe, bright solar light to those living off the grid.”
Background
Every day more than 16,000 people worldwide are severely burned as a result of accidents with kerosene lamps. Moreover, 300,000 people every year die due to kerosene fires. Hundreds of millions of people inhale the toxic fumes, causing all sorts of diseases. And the costs of lighting in some areas amounts to more than 20% of the family income. “This has to change.” says Maurits Groen, the other co-founder. “The sales of WakaWaka´s support an education program, now being developed by the WakaWaka Foundation. We call this the Climate Hero program which teaches students in developing countries about the direct and tangible benefits of solar power, clean drinking water, personal hygiene, preservation of natural resources and recycling.”
For more information please contact
Victor Brandstetter
victor@wakawakalight.com
925-437-8345
