The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development on Friday launched the distribution of 1,000 free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) starter kits to households in Kisoro District, part of a nationwide push to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.
Speaking at a colourful ceremony at Stabex Petrol Station along the Kisoro-Kabale Road, Ms Susan Nalyoga, Senior Communications Officer at the Ministry, said the initiative aims to expand access to modern energy in rural areas.
‘Kisoro is a very important district in this journey because, like many parts of rural Uganda, the majority of households still depend on firewood and charcoal. Today we are handing over 1,000 complete LPG starter kits, each containing a 12-kg cylinder filled with gas, burner, grill, hose pipe and regulator, free of charge to 1,000 carefully selected vulnerable households,’ she said.
Nalyoga noted that less than four percent of Ugandan households currently use LPG for cooking, leaving the majority exposed to harmful smoke that contributes to respiratory diseases, particularly among women and children.
The Kisoro rollout follows successful distributions in Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso, Mbarara, Mubende, Gulu, Masaka, Kumi, Nebbi, Lira and Fort Portal, with the government targeting one million households nationwide.
Each household will pay at least Shs100,000 ($35) for the gas refill inside the cylinder.
Kisoro District Natural Resources Officer, Ms Muja Judith, said the shift to LPG is crucial for health and environmental protection.
‘Over 90% of the more than 60,000 households in Kisoro still depend on firewood and charcoal. Women and children trek long distances in hilly terrain to fetch firewood, sometimes facing arrest for trespassing into private tree plantations,’ she observed.
Beneficiaries welcomed the support with mother of five, Ms Agnes Nyirabashitsi, saying: ‘The smoke makes my children cough and my eyes water every day. Today I feel like government has brought Christmas early.’
Mr Laurent Nkurunziza, a councillor representing persons with disabilities, added: ‘Lighting a charcoal sigiri every morning has been a big challenge. This free LPG cylinder will save me from that struggle.’
Officials cautioned beneficiaries against selling or repainting the cylinders and warned local leaders against charging fees for recommendation letters.
However, Mr Sabbit Edward, the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) party coordinator for Kisoro, criticised the yellow colour of the cylinders, claiming it resembled the ruling NRM party’s branding and questioned the timing ahead of the January 15, 2026 General Election.
Kisoro District Vice Chairperson, Mr Nambajimana Alex, applauded the initiative but urged government support to ensure affordable refills while Stabex International Limited pledged continued partnership to maintain supply.