KAMPALA — In order to improve security in parts of Kampala, Signify Philips, working with Dembe Group, one of the biggest conglomerates in Uganda last week partnered with government to light up Kamwokya, one of Kampala’s slum areas.
A donation of 10 state-of-the-art Philips Solar Street Lights, was last week announced to Prime Minister of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda during a ceremony at which Signify/Philips, The Dembe Group and Danish Refugee Council donated equipment worth Shs1 billion to Health Centres, Maternity Centres, Kampala Slum Area, National Ambulance Call Centre, Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement and Ministry of Health Car Park in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.
The Dembe Group is one of the oldest and biggest conglomerates in Uganda with interests in Lighting, Manufacture, Distribution and Hospitality. Dembe import, distribute and install Philips Lighting for Projects, Institutions, Homes.
The street lights donated have high Lumen output, long lifespan and low maintenance costs. According to Dembe Group Chief Executive Officer Mr Anil Damani, Kamwokya will be a model for future areas in Kampala to be lit to modern International standards. He added that thorugh out the world, Philips are the pioneers and Market Leaders in street lights.
The group also stepped in to relieve health workers from the burned of working in the dark when they donated solar lighting systems worth Shs450,000,000 which will be distributed to 20 health centres across the country.
The Philips equipment which will be installed by Sendea in 20 Health Centres throughout Uganda, will provide a properly lit environment for Health Workers to operate in a hygienic environment according to Damani. The equipment includes 42 Philips Solar Compound Security Lights 72 Philips Indoor solar Lighting Systems to provide Lighting to Wards and Rooms and 810 Philips Solar Lanterns.
In addition, a Philips Ultraviolet sterilisation Machine to sterilise the personal protective equipment given to protect the Health workers and minimize the risk of accidental contamination and spread of the disease, among other equipment.
Mr Damani said the donation demonstrates the commitment by their group towards Uganda and the well- being of all Ugandans.
Signify Philips has provided Philips equipment and Lighting to Health Centres and Organisations in Wuhan, China, USA, Spain, India and other Covid-19 affected countries.
While receiving the equipment, the Prime Minister, himself a medical doctor said the donation will be a big relief to health centres across the country.
Dr Rugunda said that the lack of lighting during treatment exposes patients to increased risk of infection and birth complications.
According to the World Health Organisation, hundreds of patients in Africa, especially women die from preventable causes. Some mothers, rather than go to deliver in unlit health centres, have chosen to wait till morning, putting their lives at risk.
