The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and several development partners, has launched a clean cooking programme to support soldiers’ spouses and promote environmentally friendly practices in military households.
The initiative was unveiled 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.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Jolly Gonahasa, representing the Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, praised the partnership and highlighted the UPDF’s role in reaching military families. She stressed the need for environmental awareness in the cooking methods demonstrated during the event.
Dr Gonahasa expressed satisfaction with the progress of earlier ROWASA projects despite challenges such as limited space and equipment. She pledged to help ROWASA market its products and to support efforts to secure Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) certification.
Brigadier General Hassan Kimbowa, Adjutant of the Joint Service Brigade Group, hailed the new initiative for its potential to ease household expenses for UPDF families. He noted that ROWASA, with UPDF backing, has already undertaken projects in information technology, tailoring, and laundry services to benefit military communities.
ROWASA Coordinator Jovanice Bossa thanked the UPDF leadership and development partners for their support, emphasising that empowering women strengthens the nation as a whole.
The launch featured demonstrations and presentations by partner organisations showcasing clean cooking appliances and techniques.
The event was attended by Brigadier General Edward Mutawe, Director of Human Resource Land Force, along with senior and junior officers and soldiers’ spouses.
