Strengthening Renewable Energy Education through Maker Spaces: A Case Study in Uganda

Rafat Al Afif; Antonia Biebighäuser; Florian Pröll; Nikoleta Nikisianli; Hillary Kasedde; John Baptist Kirabira; Christoph Pfeifer

doi:10.53941/rset.2026.100010

Abstract

Addressing the enduring gap between theory and practice in renewable energy education is essential to accelerating electrification in low- access regions such as Uganda, where, despite strong policy commitments (Vision 2040; National Development Plan III), national and rural electrification rates were 47% and 35%, respectively, in 2022. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a makerspace- based training model in developing practical competencies aligned with local energy needs. A longitudinal mixed- methods design was used to assess three consecutive training interventions conducted in 2024, 2025, and 2026, involving a total of 42 engineering participants. All participants completed the post- training survey and were included in the final analysis. The interventions utilised Arduino-based microcontroller platforms and open-source tools, progressing from fundamental digital applications to the control of hybrid energy systems. The survey findings showed consistently high participant satisfaction (mean score: 9.1/10) and strong perceived relevance, with the vast majority rating the training as highly relevant to the Maker Movement. Across all three cohorts, participants reported high confidence in their practical skills, with most evaluations falling within the excellent or good categories, and only a few responses indicating areas requiring further improvement. Community engagement indicators were equally encouraging: 100% of participants indicated they would recommend the course, and 92.8% expressed interest in advanced follow-up training, indicating strong acceptance of the makerspace approach and its potential to enhance applied competencies in this institutional context. To translate these gains into sectoral outcomes, future work will pursue multi‑institutional, comparative or quasi‑experimental studies with independent external evaluation and longitudinal tracking linked to deployment and electrification indicators, alongside expanded coverage of advanced power electronics, control, and grid integration.

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