Kotido leads in clean energy with briquette training programme
KOTIDO, June 12, 2025 — Mercy Corps, in partnership with Appropriate Energy Saving Technology Limited, has launched a clean energy training initiative in Kotido district aimed at reducing deforestation and improving energy access through briquette production.
The training held at Toto Maria Hall recently, had participants from Reengen, North Division, and Nakapelimoru village engaging in the production and marketing of eco-friendly briquettes made from charcoal, and agricultural waste.
The initiative comes as Kotido district faces increasing environmental stress due to its semi-arid climate, including prolonged drought, soil degradation, and deforestation driven by high dependence on firewood and charcoal.
“Firewood is becoming scarce and charcoal prices are rising,” said Hellen Acuku, lead trainer and renewable energy expert. “Briquettes provide a stable, locally-produced fuel alternative that reduces reliance on wood and protects the environment.”
Briquettes, made from materials such as sawdust and charcoal dust, offer a longer burn time and produce less smoke, reducing respiratory health risks associated with traditional fuels. The training emphasised not only production techniques but also business skills, including cost analysis, branding, and distribution strategies.
“Clean energy is not only an environmental necessity—it is an economic opportunity,” Acuku added, noting the importance of involving women in the sector. “Many women in Kotido can now generate income through small-scale briquette businesses.”
Participants expressed optimism about the potential of the technology.
“This training opened my eyes to a new source of income,” said James Lokwang, a farmer from Nakapelimoru village. “It’s good for the environment and our families.”
The project aligns with Mercy Corps’ broader efforts to support renewable energy adoption and economic resilience in Uganda’s off-grid communities.
With rising demand for affordable, sustainable energy, trainers and local entrepreneurs are preparing to expand production across Kotido. Mercy Corps officials hope the region can serve as a model for clean energy solutions nationwide.
With the training nearing completion, local trainers are refining their expertise, preparing to implement briquette production at scale across Kotido.
“This is just the beginning,” says Nakidon Ruth, Programme Assistant at Mercy Corps. “Our hope is to see briquettes become the primary fuel source for households, reducing environmental harm and unlocking new business opportunities for communities.
Economic opportunities
Beyond its environmental impact, briquette production presents an economic opportunity for local entrepreneurs. According to industry research, briquette enterprises can achieve substantial profit margins, especially in regions where charcoal prices continue to rise due to diminishing tree coverage.
Key market advantages include lower production costs compared to traditional charcoal, high demand among households, schools, and businesses seeking alternatives to firewood, and potential for large-scale supply to urban centers where sustainable energy solutions are growing in popularity.
By establishing community-based briquette cooperatives, Kotido’s trainees have the chance to build stable income sources while driving the clean energy revolution forward.
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