3rd Call for Renewable Energy Competition, 2025
Join us in championing clean cooking and renewable energy adoption across Uganda
Organized By
In partnership with
About the Competition
The 3rd Renewable Energy Competition is a joint initiative by the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP) and STEPUP Standard Limited aimed at engaging young people in activities that drive behavior change and adoption of clean-cooking technologies across Uganda.
Over 88% of cooking fuel in Uganda is obtained from biomass energy, majorly firewood and charcoal. This consumption rate worries sustainable initiatives, coupled with health challenges arising from indoor air pollution and continuous exposure to smoke.
Through this competition, we aim to create awareness, clear misconceptions, and showcase the benefits of clean cooking through tailored messages and community engagement, contributing to the National Development Plan IV target of increasing clean energy use for cooking from the current 25% to 50% by 2030.
Key Information
Important Dates
Submission Deadlines:
- July 15th, 2025, 11:59 PM
Regional Competitions: July 2025
National Finals: October 2025 (During REC25 & Expo)
Recognition
Regional Winners: Advance to national competition
National Showcase: Present at the Renewable Energy Conference 2025
Prizes: Listed under competition catgeories
Important Dates
Registration & Submission: Complete online form
Selection: Regional then national judging
Competition Categories
Skit
Skit Competition
Theme: "Championing clean cooking and adoption through drama"
- Develop a skit of not more than 10 minutes
- Submit script, recorded video, and props list
- Focus on local context and materials
- Group participation allowed (2-5 members)
Eligibility
- Secondary School Students only
Prizes
Regional
- Winner: UGX. 3,000,000/- (Proceeds to Nationals)
- 1st runner up: UGX. 2,000,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 1,000,000/-
National
- Winner: UGX. 6,000,000/-
- 1st runner up: UGX. 4,000,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 2,000,000/-
Cooking
Cooking Competition
Theme: "Young people as the agents of change in household cooking practices"
- Prepare a local dish for 3-6 people in 2 hours or less
- Submit dish name, ingredients, and equipment details
- Judged on quality, flavor, hygiene, and energy efficiency
- Use clean-cooking equipment of your choice
Eligibility
- Secondary School Students only
Prizes
Regional
- Winner: UGX. 600,000/- (Proceeds to Nationals)
- 1st runner up: UGX. 400,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 200,000/-
National
- Winner: UGX. 1,000,000/-
- 1st runner up: UGX. 700,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 500,000/-
Essay/Poem
Essay/Poem Competition
Two themes for different participant groups
- Secondary students topic: "How feasible is transitioning from biomass to clean-cooking in Uganda?"
- Youths topic: "Challenges and opportunities of transitioning to agroecology in Uganda"
- Essays should have a maximum of 1,000 words; Times New Roman, font size 12
- Include citations of relevant literature
Eligibility
- Secondary School Students
- Youth (18 - 35 years)
Prizes
Youths Regional
- Winner: UGX. 700,000/-
- 1st runner up: UGX. 300,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 150,000/-
Schools Regional
- Winner: UGX. 750,000/- (Proceeds to Nationals)
- 1st runner up: UGX. 500,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 400,000/-
Schools National
- Winner: UGX. 1,000,000/-
- 1st runner up: UGX. 800,000/-
- 2nd runner up: UGX. 600,000/-
Discover the Power of Clean Technologies
Discover clean, efficient technologies that safeguard your health and the environment. Explore biogas, ethanol, and electric solutions designed for today's homes and businesses.
Ready to Participate?
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13 Responses
Hello, thank you so much for this initiative. It has come at the right time when the environment needs an dvanced mode of protection for our improved and favourable climate for sustainable development in Uganda.
Assuming I’m a woman of 31 years, can I participate in these competitions as an individual, especially in a poem or essay?
Yes you can
This is such a commendable strategy which will help in mindset changing.
I believe that we all have to support our environment since we interact with it on daily basis
I have read the information and this is a wonderful initiative. however, i have not been able to find the official letter that is mentioned in the email i recived due to technological gap. i am depending on you to share it is a more friendly format.
thank you
This innovation will decrease deforestation which is our goal as foresters.
I will be very interested in listening and seeing innovations because I fear that in the near future cooking may be a problem if nothing is done
This competition is such a powerful platform for young voices to shape Uganda’s future. I’ve submitted my original work on clean cooking, and I truly believe
I’ve just submitted my entry and honestly, this topic really got me thinking deeper about what clean cooking could mean for Uganda’s future. Grateful for this space that lets us share our voices can’t wait to see how others have interpreted it too!”
A good move on improving environmental use and sustainable practice towards conservation of biodiversity
How I’m I supposed to register without the help of a teacher?
If you are not a student, register for the competitions that cover the youths, else, it’s mandatory to have a teacher as long as you’re a student
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Dish 1: Simple Chicken Stew
Ingredients:
• Chicken pieces (bone-in, thighs or drumsticks) – 1.5 kg
• Onions – 2 medium (finely chopped)
• Garlic – 5 cloves (minced)
• Chicken broth or water – 4 cups
• Butter or oil – 3 tbsp
• Flour – 2 tbsp (for thickening)
• Bay leaves – 2
• Thyme (dried or fresh) – 1 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice or vinegar – 1 tbsp (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional) – ¼ cup chopped
Equipment:
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation:
1. Brown chicken in butter/oil, remove.
2. Cook onions & garlic until soft.
3. Stir in flour to make roux.
4. Slowly add broth, stirring. Add bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper.
5. Return chicken, simmer covered 45-50 mins until tender.
6. Add lemon juice if using, adjust seasoning.
7. Garnish with parsley.
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Dish 2: Pilao (Pilaf Rice)
Ingredients:
• Basmati rice – 2 cups
• Water – 3½ cups
• Onion – 1 medium (thinly sliced)
• Garlic – 3 cloves (minced)
• Whole spices:
o Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
o Cardamom pods – 4
o Cloves – 4-5
o Bay leaf – 1
• Oil or ghee – 3 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
Equipment:
• Medium pot with lid
• Strainer
• Spoon or spatula
Preparation:
1. Rinse rice until water runs clear; soak 20 minutes.
2. Heat oil/ghee in pot; sauté whole spices until fragrant.
3. Add sliced onions and garlic, cook until golden.
4. Drain rice and add to pot, stir gently for 2-3 minutes.
5. Add water and salt; bring to boil.
6. Lower heat, cover, cook on low 15-20 minutes until water absorbed.
7. Let rice rest covered for 5 minutes; fluff with fork before serving.
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