The Internet of Things – Research & Applications (IoT-ra) Lab has successfully deployed a low-cost IoT-based Automatic Weather Station (AWS) at Makerere University, strengthening weather data collection.
Developed by the IoT-ra Lab researchers and Masters student, Tobias Muhanguzi, the AWS is a low-cost, robust, Internet of Things (IoT)-based weather monitoring system designed to improve the accuracy and availability of weather data across East Africa. The innovation offers an affordable alternative to conventional weather stations while maintaining strong performance, making it ideal for wider deployment in resource-constrained environments.
The station uses wireless sensor nodes strategically placed at different levels. These sensors transmit data using the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless communication protocol to a gateway system composed of a sink node and a Raspberry Pi, before onward transmission via GSM or Ethernet to a central server.
Powered by solar energy with battery backup, the station is particularly suited for remote and off-grid areas where reliable electricity remains a challenge. This makes it a powerful tool for supporting climate-smart agriculture, disaster preparedness, environmental research, and local forecasting services.
This initiative is transforming how weather information reaches people. Through digital platforms, users can access accurate and timely forecasts, ask complex questions about past, present, and future weather patterns, and receive critical information in local languages—expanding inclusion and usability for communities, farmers, and decision-makers.
The successful deployment highlights how African-led research, innovation, and strategic partnerships are delivering practical solutions with continental relevance.
