Government Subsidises Eco-Friendly Cooking Stoves By 50 Percent

Uganda's government is actively promoting clean cooking by offering a 50 percent subsidy on eco-friendly stoves. This initiative seeks to make cleaner cooking methods more affordable, accelerating the nation's transition away from charcoal and firewood. The move is also intended to reduce harmful smoke exposure in homes, lessen the strain on forest resources, and combat environmental degradation.

Officials highlight that widespread adoption of cleaner cooking technologies hinges on the availability of affordable alternatives that can rival traditional biomass fuels. Despite growing calls for a shift from charcoal and firewood due to environmental and air pollution concerns, a significant portion of Ugandan households continue to rely on biomass. Roy Baguma, managing director of Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company, noted that over 96 percent of households still use unsustainable biomass forms.

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The subsidy is strictly for Ugandan nationals or local homesteads with National IDs who can benefit from the arrangement.

Eco Group Ltd is manufacturing these eco-friendly stoves, which utilize reusable, smoke-free rocks. Maureen Katushabe, marketing manager at Eco Group Ltd, stated the stoves are durable, lasting over two years, making them both sustainable and cost-effective in the long run. The government's partnership with the company aims to boost the uptake of these cleaner technologies among Ugandans and small businesses.

The subsidy is specifically designated for Ugandan nationals and local households with National IDs. David Ucha, managing director of Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors, confirmed that each stove's price is halved under this program. Mawokota North MP Amelia Kyambadde, touring the Eco Group Ltd manufacturing facility, affirmed the government's commitment to supporting manufacturers of environmentally friendly products.

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Government is working hand in hand with local manufacturers to promote eco-friendly stoves.