Mak researchers produce wonder solar cooker 

Makerere University has produced a wonder solar-powered cooker that not only ensures zero carbon-emission cooking but also provides 100 percent undisturbed cooking, writes JOHN MUSINGUZI.

With the cooker, one does not have to fear about being accidentally burnt because its heating process is only triggered by electromagnetic touch.

A first of its kind, it uses induction technology while all others in the world use resistive technology. Dr Peter Tumutegyereize, the principal investigator and a lecturer in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said even if the user forgot the switch button on, there would be no heat emitted; only the battery would lose power. With the cooker, one experiences zero regular bills unlike users of charcoal, electricity and gas for cooking.

The cooker, named MakSol, which also has a cupboard cabin, comes with a battery of five-year lifespan and a solar panel of 20 years’ lifespan. The package, which currently costs Shs 4.3 million, also has a set of electromagnetic-sensitive saucepans; the cooker doesn’t use the usual aluminum saucepans or clay pots.

The cooker was designed by Makerere University and is manufactured by IntelliSys Uganda Ltd, a company of four young graduates of agricultural engineering and alumni of Makerere University and one graduate of Busitema University. The project was funded by government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund (MakRIF) and additional support from the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat, Office of the President.

While launching the solar cooker, Dr Monica Musenero, minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, noted that it will help improve our air quality and reduce reliance on unsustainable non-renewable energy sources by utilizing sunshine which is abundant. She hailed the project as a sign of resilience.

“This solar cooker is not merely a technological innovation; it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and sustainability… It is the product of tireless research, collaboration and the unwavering commitment of the talented minds and experts who have worked relentlessly to bring this innovation to life,” she said.

Her speech was delivered by Dr Cosmas Mwikirize, the superintendent of Industrial Value Chains at the ministry. Vice Chancellor Prof Nawangwe noted that the innovation is a great one not only in taming environmental destruction such as deforestation but also in liberating many people from diseases and damage associated with smoke, gas explosions and electric shocks. Nawangwe decried the recent action of parliament slightly cutting the budget of Mak RIF.

“Though the president has always said the Mak RIF is little and could be doubled, parliament has just slashed it!” he wondered.

He advised the research team to continue researching on how to bring the cost of the cooker down and how to improve its efficiency, on top of making different models or versions appropriate for different categories of customers. Otherwise, the revolutionary potential of the innovation is immense because it will help both urban and rural populations, Nawangwe observed.

The chairperson of MakRIF, Prof Fred Masagazi Masaazi, advised the team and other research teams to register intellectual rights to protect their innovations.

He urged researchers to take their findings from social media to actual grassroots communities for socio-economic impact and to use simple layman’s language instead of complicated jargon.