Spotlight Kampala is a research collaboration of universities, community-based organizations, and local advocates working to accelerate just energy transitions in Kampala and beyond. We partner directly with informal urban communities to identify needs, pilot innovative clean energy solutions, and advocate for inclusive policies that improve energy access and climate resilience. Our research goes beyond generating baseline data on access, affordability, and reliability—it is rooted in the lived realities of informal residents. By centering community participation throughout the research process, we aim to develop practical, equitable energy solutions that reflect local priorities and drive lasting, systemic change.
Hosting forums in each of the 25 participating communities to solicit feedback on research findings and vote on solutions. Convening a stakeholder workshop on July 26, 2023 to disseminate findings to wider stakeholder audience, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Umeme, and the Electricity Regulatory Authority.
Analysis of data and team conference hosted at UC Berkeley from May 8-12, 2023.
Second wave of surveys, interviews, power consumption monitors, and wiring inspections specifically focused on barriers to using electricity for cooking.
Executing surveys and interviews, deployment of remote power quality sensor, and mapping of community infrastructure, focused on identifying key challenges to accessing the grid
Piloting of methodology during a preliminary visit to Kampala in May 2022, obtaining ethical approvals, first meetings with partner communities, and detailed logistical planning for fieldwork.
Designing research questions, selecting methodology, applying for funding, and identifying key partners.