By Mark Kawalya
Paul Soddo, a prominent figure in Uganda, has made significant strides in the field of sustainable energy with the invention of the MakSol Cooker. This innovative device, developed in collaboration with researchers from Makerere University and Intellsys (U) Ltd., is a solar-powered cooker designed to reduce the carbon footprint associated with household cooking.
The MakSol Cooker was officially unveiled and launched on June 14, 2023, with the support of the government of Uganda through the Makerere University Research and Innovations Fund (Mak-RIF) and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Secretariat-Office of the President (STI-OP).
The project, titled “Development, Production Scale-up, and Commercialization of an Electric Solar Cooker (MakSol Cooker) to Reduce the Cooking Carbon Footprint in Households,” was funded to address the significant health and environmental challenges posed by the use of inefficient, polluting fuels for cooking.
Paul Soddo, the Chief Executive Officer of IntelliSys, played a pivotal role in the development and launch of the MakSol Cooker. The cooker is a low-voltage appliance that delivers high cooking power while utilizing solar energy, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional cooking methods. The invention of the MakSol Cooker is a testament to Soddo’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues of energy poverty, environmental sustainability, and public health in Uganda.
The MakSol Cooker is poised to make a meaningful impact in Uganda, where a significant portion of the population relies on charcoal, wood, or other forms of biomass for their household cooking needs. By providing an affordable and sustainable alternative, the MakSol Cooker has the potential to improve the health and well-being of Ugandan communities while reducing the environmental impact of cooking activities.
In addition to his work on the MakSol Cooker, Paul Soddo has been actively involved in addressing a wide range of problems prevalent in Uganda. His leadership and innovative spirit have been instrumental in driving positive change and promoting sustainable development in the country. Soddo’s efforts exemplify the potential for technology and innovation to address some of the most pressing challenges facing communities in Uganda and beyond.
MakSol can cook for up to six hours, or until the battery is down to 20% of its original capacity. Soddo and his crew are developing a version of the cooker that will allow them to prepare the asame amount of food in three hours. The team will achieve this by doubling the resonant power generated in the magnetic coil and induced into the cookware. MakSol pricing begins at $150, which is far less expensive than standard electric cookers that connect to solar electricity and work similarly.
