Clean Cooking: A Pathway to Health, Energy Security, and Climate Resilience

Every day, millions of Ugandan households prepare meals using firewood and charcoal. While these fuels are deeply rooted in tradition, their continued use poses major health, environmental, and economic challenges. Indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, while deforestation driven by fuelwood demand undermines Uganda’s ecosystems. To address this, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD) has established the Clean Cooking Unit to lead the country’s transition to modern, sustainable cooking solutions.

Why Clean Cooking Matters

Clean cooking is more than a household issue; it is a national development priority. Access to modern cooking technologies reduces harmful smoke, saves time for women and children, and curbs deforestation. It also opens doors for new businesses, creates green jobs, and contributes directly to Uganda’s economic growth under the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

The government has set ambitious targets for 2030:

• Cutting the reliance on traditional biomass for cooking from 75% to 50%,
• Increasing clean energy use for cooking from 25% to 50%,
• Growing LPG’s contribution from 0.3% to 5%, and
• Raising per capita electricity consumption to 578 kWh.

These targets signal a clear shift: clean cooking is no longer optional—it is essential.

Programs Driving the Transition

Uganda’s clean cooking journey is being advanced through a portfolio of transformative projects, backed by strong partnerships:

• Electric Cooking Scale and Support Program (2024–2026): Supported by UK AID, this program will distribute 10,000 electric cooking appliances, train 600 technicians, and roll out behavioral change campaigns nationwide.
• Biogas and eCooking Program (2025–2030): With support from the African Development Bank, this initiative will build 47 biogas plants in institutions and provide 77,000 affordable eCooking devices to urban households.
• SEE-CC Program (2021–2025): Funded by GIZ and SNV, this program strengthens local clean cooking enterprises, boosts access to finance, and promotes higher-tier technologies like advanced biomass and electric stoves.
• Forest Management and Sustainable Charcoal Value Chain Project (2021–2025): Backed by the EU and FAO, this project promotes sustainable charcoal production, energy woodlots, and rehabilitation of degraded forests.

Together, these interventions aim to make clean cooking accessible, affordable, and attractive to all Ugandans.

Building a Cleaner Future

The Clean Cooking Unit recognizes that behavior change is as important as technology. By engaging communities, piloting solutions in schools and refugee settlements, and working with the private sector, Uganda is laying the foundation for a vibrant clean cooking market.

Transitioning to clean cooking is not just about energy—it’s about dignity, health, and sustainability. It is about ensuring that every Ugandan household can cook in a way that is safe for families, friendly to the environment, and supportive of long-term development.

With strong leadership, international support, and community participation, Uganda is on a promising journey toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable energy future.