On May 22, 2025, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Platform, launched a Clean Cooking Campaign at Kikuube District Headquarters. The campaign aimed to promote the use of clean and sustainable cooking technologies such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) among institutions and households. The event brought together 48 stakeholders including district leaders, health workers, school administrators, religious leaders, and partners like Stabex International. The initiative served as both an educational engagement and a call to action to reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels, which are linked to serious health and environmental challenges. At the heart of the campaign was a shared goal: to empower local institutions to become champions of clean cooking and accelerate the adoption of cleaner, safer, and more efficient energy solutions for everyday cooking.
Key Highlights
Dr. Nicholas Mukisa, Deputy National Coordinator at the National Renewable Energy Platform and representative of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), underscored the critical need for Uganda to transition away from biomass-based cooking. Citing alarming statistics, he noted that over 23,000 Ugandans die each year due to indoor air pollution, an entirely preventable health crisis directly linked to the use of traditional cooking fuels. Dr. Mukisa emphasized that clean cooking is not only a public health and environmental imperative but also one of the Ministry’s top priority agenda items.
He outlined the government’s inclusive and multi-pronged strategy, which promotes a range of clean cooking technologies, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), bioethanol stoves, Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs), and volcanic rock stoves, to cater to the diverse needs of households and institutions across the country.
Mr. Silverious Tumusiime, representing Kikuube District leadership, reinforced the district’s commitment to climate action, citing a UGX 545 million fund received under the LoCAL initiative for reforestation. He urged institutions with large landholdings to support tree planting efforts and pledged district support for maintaining seedlings.
Stabex’s Albertine Regional Manager, Mr. Rocky Bigabwa, detailed the subsidized LPG program, through which the government supplies gas kits free of charge while users pay only for refills. He shared key safety tips and highlighted LPG’s cost-effectiveness compared to charcoal.
A live EPC cooking demonstration led by Dr. Mukisa captivated attendees by showing just how fast and efficient electric cooking can be. Meals like beef and rice were prepared in real-time, demystifying electric cookers and sparking confidence among participants. Additional sessions introduced other clean technologies including bioethanol stoves, Ecosafi pellet stoves, volcanic rock eco-stoves, and Biolite stoves, each offering unique advantages for different user contexts.
Key Challenges & Lessons Learned
Despite strong interest, participants raised concerns over the initial costs of adopting clean cooking technologies. Hon. Grace Mary Mugasa Akiiki, Minister of State for Public Service, acknowledged this challenge and advocated for financing mechanisms and subsidy programs to bridge affordability gaps. Another challenge observed was misinformation and fear surrounding LPG use, particularly regarding safety. However, safety training sessions helped address these concerns. The campaign also revealed the critical role that local leaders and institutions can play as change agents. By positioning schools, health centers, and religious institutions at the forefront of clean cooking adoption, communities are more likely to follow suit. The importance of practical demonstrations was another key lesson, seeing is believing, and hands-on engagement proved vital for building trust.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The Kikuube Clean Cooking Campaign marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable household energy solutions. It successfully mobilized key stakeholders, increased awareness, and demonstrated real-life benefits of clean cooking technologies. The donation of 100 subsidized LPG kits to local institutions is a critical first step. Moving forward, MEMD and its partners will continue community sensitization, expand demonstration projects, and work to make clean cooking technologies more accessible. With continued leadership, financing support, and community involvement, Kikuube is poised to become a model district in Uganda’s clean energy transition.
