About 85% of households rely on biomass for cooking, such as wood and charcoal according to the National Population and Housing Census 2024 leading to indoor air pollution and other health problems.
In many Ugandan households, the simple act of cooking remains a silent killer.
The heavy dependence on unsustainable fuels not only affects human health but also contributes to deforestation, climate change, and economic burdens on low-income families.
Many people choose biomass because they perceive it to be more affordable than cleaner fuels like gas and electricity.
The Impact of Traditional Cooking Methods.
Sharon Natukunda a Climate Justice Advocate says, Burning solid fuels in inefficient stoves releases harmful pollutants, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, Asthma, lung disease, and cardiovascular diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), exposure to household air pollution contributes to over 4 million premature deaths globally each year.
In Africa alone, more than 600,000 people die prematurely from diseases caused by inhaling smoke from burning biomass. Women and children are the key victims due to responsibilities to household chores such as cooking with firewood.
The Biomass is associated with carrying heavy loads contributing to issues such as chest pain reduced school attendances and risks from bushy areas.
The reliance on firewood in Uganda accelerates forest depletion, with the country’s loss of approximately 14% of its tree cover between 2000 and 2023 according to National Forestry Authority Report 2023.
The Third National Development Plan (NDP3) focused on energy development programs aimed at increasing access to clean energy while reducing the share of biomass energy used, there’s still a big gap and I hope the NDP4 strategy will justify this.
Looking at the economic situations of people living in urban and rural areas, Where I have had an opportunity to visit, majority find it expensive to adopt to these alternatives. While many are eager to transition to cleaner cooking alternatives, the harsh reality is that most lack the financial means to purchase or access these options, leaving clean cooking an elusive goa.
Is Uganda Ready for the Shift to Clean Cooking?
Efforts to promote affordable, accessible, and efficient clean cooking technologies have gained momentum in recent years. Institutions such as the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC), the Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and social enterprises are actively promoting the adoption and utilization of clean cooking technologies.
Improved Cookstoves that are energy-efficient, use less fuel while reducing emissions.
We have the Briquettes and Alternative Biomass Fuels sources made from agricultural waste to replace charcoal and firewood.
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Electric Cooking that promoting and electric saving stoves as clean alternatives.
While progress is being made, several barriers hinder Uganda’s full transition to clean cooking. Many low-income households find clean cooking solutions expensive despite their long-term benefits.
The delayed expansion and distribution of hydroelectric power by the Government in some parts of the country especially rural areas has not only left many communities struggling but also exacerbating energy poverty and hindering economic development.
There has been limited awareness where communities lack information on the health and economic advantages of clean cooking. Although policies exist, weak enforcement and slow implementation hinder widespread adoption.
What Must Be Done to Make Uganda Ready?
To successfully transition to clean cooking, we must strengthen Policy and Subsidies where the government provide incentives for clean cooking manufacturers and subsidies for low-income households to access clean technologies.
Create more awareness Nationwide to educate communities about the health, environmental, and financial benefits of clean cooking.
Invest in Local Innovation by supporting youth-led clean energy startups that can help scale affordable solutions for rural and urban communities.
There is also a need to enhance Financing Mechanisms through expanding microfinance and pay-as-you-go models which will make clean cooking solutions more accessible.
Natukunda adds that, Uganda is taking steps towards a clean cooking future, but the journey remains long and challenging. A multi-stakeholder approach involving the government, private sector, civil society, and local communities is essential to overcoming existing barriers. If Uganda is to be fully ready for this transition, more investments, policy commitments, and grassroots engagements must be made to ensure that clean cooking is not just a privilege but a reality for all.
The question remains, Are we doing enough to make clean cooking a national priority?
The time to act is now.
