State Minister for Minerals Phiona Nyamutooro has called on fellow leaders to abandon the use of charcoal in their households and embrace alternative cooking energy sources as Uganda promotes cleaner cooking methods.
Nyamutooro made the appeal while encouraging colleagues to lead by example in the campaign to reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood. She revealed that she had already stopped using charcoal in her household and urged other leaders to follow her example.
“I used to use charcoal in my household but not anymore. I implore colleagues to join me in this,” Nyamutooro said.
The minister’s message comes amid ongoing government efforts to promote cleaner and more sustainable cooking alternatives. These include electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol and biogas, which are being encouraged as options for households seeking to move away from traditional fuels.
Nyamutooro’s appeal highlights the role leaders can play in encouraging communities to adopt alternative cooking methods. By making changes in their own homes, leaders can demonstrate their willingness to support the government’s clean cooking campaign.
The push to reduce charcoal use also comes amid discussions about the affordability and accessibility of alternative energy sources. The cost of electric cooking appliances, gas cylinders and related accessories remains a challenge for some households considering the transition.
The government has been promoting clean cooking through public awareness campaigns and engagements aimed at encouraging Ugandans to explore alternative energy options. The broader objective is to increase the adoption of modern cooking technologies and reduce reliance on traditional fuels.
Nyamutooro’s call adds to the growing campaign encouraging leaders and ordinary citizens to reconsider their household cooking practices. She urged her colleagues to join her in embracing alternative energy sources, stressing the importance of collective efforts in advancing cleaner cooking across Uganda.
