The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and several development partners, has rolled out a clean cooking initiative to promote safer and environmentally friendly cooking practices in military households.
The programme, launched in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Platform (NREP), Reach Out Wives of Soldiers Association (ROWASA), Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC), Modern Energy Cooking Services, and UK Aid, aims to empower soldiers’ spouses while reducing household energy costs.
Dr. Jolly Gonahasa, representing the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, praised the collaboration and highlighted the UPDF’s unique ability to reach military families.
“We must be mindful of the environment and adopt better cooking methods like those demonstrated today,” Dr. Gonahasa said. She commended ROWASA’s earlier projects, noting their success despite challenges such as limited space and equipment, and pledged to support efforts to market their products and secure Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) certification.
Brigadier General Hassan Kimbowa, Adjutant of the Joint Service Brigade Group, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help cut household expenses for military families. He noted that ROWASA, with UPDF backing, has already implemented projects in information technology, tailoring, and laundry services to uplift military communities.
ROWASA Coordinator Jovanice Bossa thanked the UPDF leadership and development partners for their support, stressing that empowering women directly contributes to strengthening the nation.
The launch featured practical demonstrations of clean cooking appliances and techniques by partner organisations. It was attended by Brigadier General Edward Mutawe, Director of Human Resource Land Force, senior and junior officers, and soldiers’ spouses.
