On 6th August 2025, Tororo Municipality became a key spotlight in Uganda’s clean energy transition as it hosted the official launch of the Behaviour Change Communication for Electric Cooking (BCCeC) Project. The initiative led by the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC) is funded by UK Aid through the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) program.
The campaign formed part of a weeklong clean cooking exhibition held along Bazar Street at Tororo Main Market from 4th to 8th August 2025, coupled with an engaging radio talk show on East FM. The events aimed to inspire households and institutions to transition from traditional cooking methods, such as the three-stone fire, to safer, cleaner, and more efficient electric cooking technologies.
Radio Talkshow Main Highlights
While in Tororo, the NREP team featured on East FM to promote Behaviour Change Communication in Clean Cooking, highlighting the health, economic, and environmental benefits of adopting modern energy solutions like EPCs, LPG, and biogas. The team emphasized community awareness, mindset change, and urged listeners to champion clean cooking in their communities.
Main Remarks
Mariah Kizza of NREP opened the session by engaging participants in a discussion on traditional cooking methods, particularly the three-stone method, and its drawbacks. She then introduced various clean cooking technologies, including Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) and solar cooking stoves, explaining their benefits such as cost-effectiveness, time savings, and high efficiency. Mariah also informed participants about the upcoming REC 25 and the clean cooking expo.
Key Highlights and Lessons Learnt
Hon. Apollo Yeri Ofwono, MP for Tororo Municipality, lauded the clean cooking campaign in his area, stressing the need to protect trees and reduce deforestation by adopting affordable, eco-friendly cooking solutions. Demonstrating his commitment, he and colleagues purchased Electric Pressure Cookers during the event, noting their cost-effectiveness amid the rising price of charcoal.
Hon. John Okeya, LC5 Chairperson of Tororo District, urged participants to embrace clean cooking technologies to curb deforestation caused by traditional cooking practices. He highlighted the health, time-saving, and cost benefits of solutions like electric pressure cookers and LPG, noting government support for their adoption. He encouraged participants to champion clean cooking in their communities, adding that such modern appliances are now accessible in Tororo.
Deputy Mayor Achola Beatrice of Tororo Municipality warmly welcomed the project and highlighted the numerous benefits of clean cooking technologies. She expressed appreciation for the campaign’s efforts in promoting clean cooking solutions within her community.
Major Challenges Identified by Participants
- Rising Cost of Traditional Fuels – Charcoal and firewood prices have sharply increased, straining household budgets and making cooking a financial burden.
- Limited Awareness and Mindset Barriers – Many residents remain unaware of modern cooking technologies or hold misconceptions about their usability and cost.
- Environmental Degradation – Heavy reliance on firewood is contributing to rapid deforestation, threatening natural forest cover and worsening climate impacts.
Conclusion
The BCCeC launch in Tororo showcased strong political will, community engagement, and practical demonstrations of clean cooking benefits. However, addressing cost barriers, increasing public awareness, and halting environmental degradation remain critical to achieving a full transition. With continued advocacy, partnerships, and access to affordable technologies, Tororo is well-positioned to lead in Uganda’s clean energy future.
