State Minister for Minerals Phiona Nyamutoro has offered free electric cookers to a fan's family as part of efforts to promote clean cooking and reduce Uganda's reliance on charcoal and firewood.

The offer followed a request from a social media user identified as Mamisolo, who asked the minister to provide electric cookers for their grandmother and mother after seeing her campaign encouraging Ugandans to adopt cleaner cooking methods.

Phiona Nyamutoro Responds to Request for Free Electric Cookers

Mamisolo reached out to Nyamutoro through a post promoting clean cooking alternatives, asking whether she could also help their grandmother and mother obtain electric cookers.

The minister agreed to provide the two cookers free of charge, explaining that she hoped the gesture would encourage the beneficiary to become an advocate for clean cooking in their community.

Nyamutoro said the offer was intended to recruit another supporter for the clean cooking campaign, which seeks to encourage households across Uganda to embrace alternative energy sources.

After expressing gratitude, the user asked when the cookers would be available for collection. Nyamutoro promised to make contact the following day.

The offer also attracted attention from other followers, some of whom came forward requesting free electric cookers of their own.

Uganda Steps Up Efforts to Promote Clean Cooking

The initiative comes amid growing efforts to encourage Ugandan households to move away from traditional cooking fuels such as charcoal and firewood.

The government has been promoting alternatives including electricity, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol and biogas as part of efforts to improve access to cleaner and more efficient cooking technologies.

These alternatives can help reduce the environmental damage associated with charcoal production and firewood consumption while offering households other ways to prepare their meals.

Uganda has set a target of enabling five million households to adopt clean cooking technologies by 2030, highlighting the scale of the country's ambition to transform domestic cooking practices.

Government Promotes Electric Cooking and Alternative Energy

During parliamentary discussions on clean cooking, Nyamutoro said the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development would continue promoting different cooking technologies, including electric cookers, LPG, ethanol and biogas.

She also pointed to a special electricity tariff intended to encourage the use of electricity for cooking.

However, the minister acknowledged that access to alternative cooking equipment remains a challenge for many households. The cost of gas cylinders and their accessories, in particular, can prevent families from switching away from charcoal and firewood.

Nyamutoro admitted that the government had not supplied enough free cooking-gas cylinders to meet the demand.

The ministry was expected to present a comprehensive report to Parliament on October 21, outlining progress and plans for promoting alternative cooking energy.

Nyamutoro Says She Has Abandoned Charcoal

In an effort to encourage other leaders to support the campaign, Nyamutoro told Members of Parliament that she had stopped using charcoal after joining the ministry.

She also urged legislators to help spread awareness about the benefits of clean cooking, describing the campaign as a collective effort that requires support from leaders and communities across the country.

Her remarks came amid parliamentary debate over restrictions on charcoal and the availability of affordable alternatives for ordinary Ugandans.

Cost Remains a Major Challenge for Clean Cooking in Uganda

Although electric cooking and other alternative energy sources offer potential benefits, affordability remains a major concern for many families.

The initial cost of purchasing cooking appliances, gas cylinders and related equipment can make the transition difficult, particularly for households with limited incomes.

Expanding access to affordable electricity and alternative cooking technologies will therefore be important in helping more Ugandans adopt cleaner cooking methods.

Nyamutoro's offer of free electric cookers has drawn attention to the wider clean cooking campaign and the need to make modern cooking solutions accessible to more households.

As Uganda works towards its 2030 clean cooking target, continued public awareness, affordable equipment and reliable access to alternative energy will be key to encouraging more families to move away from charcoal and firewood.