BULIISA, September 13, 2026 — For many years, women in Buliisa district have relied heavily on firewood for domestic cooking, putting immense pressure on Budongo Forest and other natural and planted forests.
However, the unsustainable practice could soon become a thing of the past as communities across Buliisa embrace clean energy cooking stoves, commonly known in the area as Lorena stoves built using cheap materials.
In Kihungya Subcounty, community members are working in groups to construct improved cookstoves for their peers.
A Lorena stove, built by these community groups, takes approximately two weeks to complete.
The energy-efficient, low-cost wood-burning stove is made from locally available materials, including clay, sand, grass, dry banana leaves, and water.
Saving firewood and money
Sarah Asiimwe, a member of the Yesu Murungi Savings Group in Kihungya Subcounty, said that before adopting a Lorena stove, she spent Shs 10,000 on a bundle of firewood that would last only two to four days.
Today, the same amount of firewood can last her up to two weeks.
“A Lorena stove is good; it saves firewood, is cleaner and faster. We are saving our forests and, at the same time, saving money, while also reducing the risk of contracting diseases like cancer since the stove is smoke-free,” she told theCooperator News.
Asiimwe also said the introduction of clean-energy cookstoves has contributed to a reduction in domestic violence in her community.
“This is because we’re giving our husbands food on time, and we are no longer spending much time searching for firewood in the forests. They’re also improving hygiene in our homes; you know poor hygiene in the homestead also annoys our husbands,” she explained.
Monica Atulinda, a member of the Agateraine Savings Group in Kihungya Subcounty, expressed excitement about learning how to make energy-saving cookstoves.
“For me, I haven’t gotten one because it’s not yet my turn for the group members to make mine, but my fellow group members who already have them have enticed me to get one. We have cooked in unclean environments, and we’re tired. What’s important about it is saving firewood and money, as well as preventing environmental destruction. We are also going to teach other women in the area because they are also very interested in learning how to make and use them,” she said.
Men join the initiative
Lorena cookstoves have been embraced not only by women but also by men, who are actively supporting their construction by gathering the necessary materials.
Edward Byenkya, chairperson of the Nyeramya United Savings Group in Kihungya Subcounty, said he had never seen a cookstove that uses so little firewood to prepare meals.
“These cookstoves are relieving us of the burden of spending so much money on firewood. If the entire community of Buliisa embraces these clean-energy cookstoves, even the pressure on Budongo Forest will reduce,” he said, calling on the government to champion the initiative.
Denis Oyewa, Chairperson of the Clean Energy Cookstoves Champions, who are leading the training efforts, said that after constructing cookstoves for their group members, they plan to begin building them for other community members.
He said the move would also provide an income-generating opportunity for the group, especially as demand for the stoves continues to grow.
The group members shared their experiences during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Midwestern Region Centre for Democracy and Human Rights [MICOD] on August 10, 2026, at Kihungya Subcounty headquarters.
The meeting was held to update participants on the progress of an initiative promoting climate-smart awareness, which MICOD is implementing in partnership with the Rotary Club of Masindi.
Climate-smart awareness refers to knowledge and practices that enable farmers and communities to adapt to climate change, sustainably increase agricultural productivity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
It also encourages the efficient use of natural resources, including water and soil, to help communities withstand climate-related shocks.
About the project
According to Lawrence Kangula, Executive Director of MICOD, the organisations secured a US$ 30,000 [approximately Shs114 million] project to address environmental and climate-related challenges in the region.
The project aims to reduce heavy reliance on firewood, currently estimated at 80 percent, while expanding access to clean-energy alternatives and promoting environmental tree planting.
The one-year project is being implemented in Kihungya Subcounty in Buliisa district, Labongo Subcounty in Masindi district, and Kigumba Subcounty in Kiryandongo District.
The initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions and environmental degradation through the adoption of clean-energy technologies and sustainable environmental practices.
The project aims to increase access to clean energy among 300 households, raise climate-smart awareness among 1,300 people, and promote conservation practices among another 300 households.
Kangula said 60 clean-energy champions have already been trained in the construction of improved cookstoves and are doing an excellent job.
Under the same project, tree nursery beds have been established in Buliisa, Masindi, and Kiryandongo districts to produce more than 500,000 free tree seedlings.
Kangula said the project is expected to reduce dependence on forests, increase the adoption of clean-energy solutions, improve climate awareness, and strengthen environmental restoration efforts.
“We expect to reach 1,500 direct beneficiaries and more than 2,000 indirect community members. We are using a community-driven approach through community-based organisations, village savings and loan associations, and collaboration with local government,” he explained.
He added that good progress had already been registered, with high demand for Lorena stoves reported in various areas across the three districts.
Elly Kiirya, the programmes officer at MICOD, said the project, dubbed “Strengthening Vulnerable Communities’ Participation in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation,” will focus on building awareness, fostering collaboration, and ensuring broad community participation.
Leaders speak out
Businge Rooney, the Community Development Officer for Biiso Town Council in Buliisa District, commended the initiative, saying it addresses not only climate change but also domestic violence.
“With the intervention of this project, we are going to see happy homes and also save the forests. My appeal to the group members is to ensure that their groups are registered with the government so that in case there’s an opportunity in the government or private sector, they are the first to benefit,” he said, adding that local authorities were ready to support the groups.
Ronald Ocan, the LCIII Chairperson of Kihungya Subcounty in Buliisa district, expressed concern over the rate at which forests and other natural trees are being cut down without replacement.
“Right now, Lorena stoves are the way to go because there’s no other option. They save time, fuel, and the environment, as well as promote good hygiene. I want to commend my people for being fast learners,” he said.
Ocan called upon residents to ensure that the tree seedlings provided to them are planted and properly cared for.
He also urged men in the area to support their spouses in constructing improved cookstoves.
Biomass energy crisis
More than 90 percent of rural communities in Buliisa and the broader Bunyoro Subregion lack access to affordable clean energy. The skyrocketing domestic and urban demand for charcoal and firewood forces continuous illegal harvesting within protected zones.
https://thecooperator.news/govt-secures-over-shs-11bln-to-boost-clean-energy-access-in-uganda/
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