Government Subsidises Eco-Friendly Cooking Stoves by 50%

What the report says

The Nile Post reports that the Ugandan government has introduced a 50 percent subsidy on eco-friendly cooking stoves to make cleaner cooking options more affordable for households and businesses that still depend on charcoal and firewood. The policy is meant to speed up the country’s shift toward cleaner energy use, reduce exposure to smoke, and lessen pressure on forests and other natural resources.

The article says the effort is part of broader calls to cut air pollution and environmental degradation, especially in densely populated areas. Roy Baguma of the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company said only a small share of households currently use clean cooking technologies, while more than 96 percent still rely on biomass. He said the subsidy is limited to Ugandan nationals and local households with National Identification Cards.

The stoves are being manufactured by Eco Group Ltd, which uses reusable, smoke-free rocks instead of charcoal or firewood, according to the report. Maureen Katushabe of Eco Group said the products are designed to last more than two years, which could make them cheaper over time despite the upfront cost. David Ucha of Detra Energy and Environmental Contractors said the subsidy cuts the price of each stove by half.

The report also notes that Mawokota North MP Amelia Kyambadde toured the company’s manufacturing facility in Bujjuko, Mityana, and highlighted government support for local producers of environmentally friendly products. More broadly, the move reflects a wider public push in Uganda to expand access to cleaner cooking solutions and reduce reliance on traditional biomass fuels.