On September 19, 2025, the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) and the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC), launched the Behavioral Change Communication for e-Cooking (BCCeC) Outreach Campaign in Ntungamo. Funded by the UK government through the UK MECS Programme, this initiative is a pivotal step toward promoting sustainable energy, improving public health, and combating environmental degradation. Here’s a comprehensive recap of the day’s transformative events. Setting the Stage with Dr. Paul NduhuuraBefore the official opening, Dr. Paul Nduhuura, Ph.D., Head of Research and Capacity Building at NREP, delivered a compelling briefing. He outlined the campaign’s objectives, defined clean cooking as a shift to technologies like Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) that reduce health risks, environmental impact, and costs, and introduced its broader benefits. This foundational session prepared participants for the day’s discussions, setting a clear vision for Ntungamo’s energy transition.
A Warm Welcome and Visionary Leadership
The workshop formally opened with Mr. Mukiibi Sereverio Byarufu, the Town Clerk, extending a warm welcome to participants and partners from MEMD and NREP. Drawing on his experience in Bushenyi-Ishaka and Kotido municipalities, he highlighted critical environmental challenges; deforestation for firewood/charcoal, poor waste disposal, wetland destruction, and pollution from construction and garbage. He emphasized the constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment and praised MEMD for introducing clean cooking technologies that address these issues. Mr. Mukiibi called for simple, affordable, and accessible innovations for all communities.
His Worship Kafureka Jacob, Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality, officially opened the workshop, thanking MEMD and NREP for choosing Ntungamo. He commended the campaign’s timeliness, linking clean cooking to environmental conservation and public health, and offered a shop to UNACC members for technology displays. The Mayor encouraged active participation, officially declaring the workshop open.
Hands-On Learning and Cultural Integration
A standout moment was the hands-on interaction with EPCs, where participants learned their operation through guided sessions. This was followed by a live cooking demonstration featuring local dishes—millet bread, matooke, beans, and beef—prepared efficiently, proving the appliances’ cultural compatibility and time-saving benefits. Dr. Paul engaged the public by asking for a Runyoro name for the EPC, resulting in “Sepuliya Ey’amasanyalazi,” enhancing local ownership of the technology.
Addressing Challenges and Proposing Solutions
Before the event closed, Dr. Paul facilitated a public discussion on the challenges of clean cooking adoption and potential solutions. Participants identified key barriers: inadequate electricity, ignorance of clean methods, the perceived low cost of free firewood, fear of electric shocks, rampant power/load shedding, infrastructure breakdowns, lack of training, cultural resistance to change, unavailability of products, expensive electricity and pots, dependence on alternatives during outages, landlord restrictions due to perceived high electricity use, and unfavorable payment methods. The public proposed remedies including weekly radio talk shows on Ankole and TV West, appointing contact persons for demonstrations, reducing taxes on products, ensuring government oversight of pot manufacturers, lowering electricity tariffs, stabilizing power supply, and extending electricity nationwide. These insights will guide future campaign strategies.
A Memorable Conclusion with Gifts
The event concluded on a high note with Dr. Paul gifting an EPC to His Worship Kafureka Jacob, Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality, and to Ms. Turinawe Anne, Headteacher of Maato Primary School. This gesture symbolizes the campaign’s commitment to leadership and education in promoting clean cooking, ensuring these key figures can champion the cause within their spheres of influence.
Exhibition and Community Engagement
The UNACC members’ exhibition, ran from September 14 to 20, 2025, at Kaguta Muhangi Road opposite Paradise Hotel, complementing the workshop. Supported by UK MECS funding, it showcases EPCs, biogas systems, and improved biomass stoves, inviting residents to explore sustainable options.
A Path Toward Sustainability
The Ntungamo BCCeC Outreach Campaign reflects NREP’s commitment to empowering communities with accessible, health-focused, and environmentally friendly cooking solutions. The shop offered by the Mayor to UNACC ensures a lasting local presence, while public input on challenges and solutions strengthens the campaign’s impact.
