KIBOGA, April 14, 2026 — The Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, has urged women across the country to embrace clean energy solutions, citing their benefits to the environment and health.
Nankabirwa noted that many Ugandans, particularly women, still rely on wood fuel, which poses serious health risks and contributes to the depletion of the country’s forest cover.
Speaking at the launch of the Electricity Regulatory Authority [ERA] 2026 Women in Energy school outreach programme organised in Kiboga district recently, the minister emphasised resilience, self-worth and the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
She expressed optimism that increased adoption of clean energy technologies would improve public health and support environmental conservation efforts.
The ERA 2026 school outreach programme aims to boost girls’ participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics [STEM] disciplines. The initiative also encourages secondary school students to pursue STEM careers and supports the advancement of women in the energy sector.
Dr Keefa Kiwanuka, Member of Parliament for Kiboga East Constituency, urged students to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions such as early marriage and sexual activity that may interfere with their education. He said the outreach would help students appreciate the role of clean energy in environmental protection.
At the event held at Bukomero Secondary School, ERA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako said several initiatives have been introduced to promote the use of clean energy.
She highlighted the government’s Cooking Tariff, commonly known as the “Fumba Tariff”, launched in 2022 through ERA. The initiative reduces the cost of electricity for cooking to Shs 412 per kilowatt-hour for consumption between the 81st and 150th units per month, making electric cooking more affordable for households.
However, Tibalwa Waako raised concern over increasing cases of electricity vandalism and called on stakeholders, including community leaders and students, to support efforts to curb the vice.
ERA Board Chairperson Eng. Grania Rosette Rubombora advised students to avoid distractions such as the pursuit of money, excessive use of social media and risky behaviour. She stressed the importance of discipline, faith and collective responsibility in protecting electricity infrastructure.
ERA officials said the Women in Energy Project has expanded to Soroti City and Hoima City, reaching more than 1,700 students to date.
Uganda is experiencing rapid forest cover depletion, with tree cover falling from 24 percent in 1990 to roughly 9–12 percent by the mid-2020s, according to Global Forest Watch and the National Forestry Authority. Driven by agriculture, charcoal production, and population pressure, the country loses over 122,000 hectares annually, with projections suggesting natural forests outside protected areas could disappear by 2050.
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