Justice Microgrid will provide free legal aid to rural Ugandans

“Justice Microgrid,” a 14.25 kW photovoltaic (PV) system, is a pilot project developed through a partnership between Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) and Barefoot Law that aims to support a more accessible and equitable justice ecosystem using clean , dissipated energy.

Despite being connected to the national grid, Bala experiences frequent power outages, often weeks at a time. This has become a problem for BarefootLaw, a Uganda-based nonprofit justice organization. Their BarefootLaw Box (LawBox) – a community center where you can get free legal help – was established in 2022. The reliance on computers, the Internet and video conferencing meant that in the event of a power outage, services also ceased.

BarefootLaw contacted SELF for a solution. SELF developed a solar-powered microgrid for LawBox and expanded the system to meet other legal and municipal needs.

“You can have amazing resources like LawBox, but without reliable power it doesn’t matter,” said Robert Freling, executive director of SELF. “Unreliable networks are all too common in rural communities, hampering access to key services. This is a serious problem, but fortunately we can solve it.”

The microgrid provides power for lighting, computers, the Internet, device charging, printing, and more. Employees can now serve more people with better resources and keep their doors open during local power outages.

“It is very important that LawBox has constant power,” added Midi Awor, a Bala resident who received legal aid after her cattle were stolen. “Whenever I come, I can easily connect with a lawyer in Kampala through my TV.”

The microgrid also powers the courts, city hall, police station and social development office. In addition, solar street lighting was installed to improve safety and extend hours for commerce and social gatherings. All of this is intended to create a more collaborative, transparent and inclusive justice process.

“People can tell their stories now,” said Gerald Abila, founder of BarefootLaw. “City officials listen and have the resources to make a difference. There is support and cooperation. Change is possible and Bala is the plan.”

Additional information:

Solar Energy Fund (SELF)

The law of bare feet