Rotary, energy ministry partner to promote clean cooking in schools

KAMPALA - To create a safer and healthier environment, the Rotary Club of Kisugu-Victoria View has partnered with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to promote clean cooking in schools and institutions.

With adequate funding, Rotarians say, this initiative will be rolled out in several schools across the country.

According to the 10th president of Rotary Club of Kisugu-Victoria View, Robert Kavuma, the club is engaging with the energy ministry on a pilot clean cooking initiative at Kibuli Demonstration School.

This initiative, Kavuma says, is aimed at promoting safer, more efficient and environmentally sustainable cooking solutions in educational institutions.

“We intend to roll out the clean cooking technology programme in all schools across the country. Recently, we were in discussions with Shell Viva to support the installation of gas cooking stoves at Kibuli Demonstration School. If the school has a facility and is aware of the capacity, they install gas cookers for free,” disclosed Kavuma.

Additionally, Kavuma said, “This partnership has the potential to create a scalable model for cleaner, safer and more efficient school cooking systems, which can then be extended to other schools, who have the infrastructure, safety provisions and operational capacity to adopt gas-based cooking.”

Since part of the project also involves providing seedlings and fruit trees, Kavuma said this is an exciting space with enormous potential for impact. Not just reducing dependence on firewood and improving health outcomes, but also meaningfully contributing to environmental sustainability and modernisation of the school infrastructure.

He made the revelation during the celebration of the Club’s 10th anniversary and installation of 11th president of the Rotary Club of Kisugu-Victoria View held at Molover house in Muyenga on Wednesday.

During the anniversary celebrations, the Club also celebrated 10 Years of transforming lives and Service Above Self.

“As the leading Rotary partner to the Ministry on this initiative, our Club is uniquely positioned to drive sustainable environmental, health, and education outcomes for schools across Uganda,” explained Kavuma.

With a successful pilot already underway at Kibuli Demonstration School, Kavuma said, this initiative is laying the foundation for what is to become the Club’s Signature Project, with plans of expanding nationally.

Among the Club’s achievements attained during the ten years include the development of an education support project for children of inmates. In partnership with the Rotary Club of Sydney, Australia, Rotarians are giving hope and opportunity to children whose futures are too often shaped by circumstances beyond their control.

Rotarian Bernard Tabaire, club’s 11th president and his wife Elizabeth Tabaire, PDG Stephen Mwanje, Robert Kavuma, out going president and other Rotarians cut cake during the installation of 11th president of the Rotary Club of Kisugu-Victoria View at Molover House in Muyenga. (Credit: Juliet Kasirye)

Addressing Rotarians, the club’s 11th president, Rtn Bernard Tabaire, said they are seeking approximately sh60m from Rotarians and other stakeholders to complete the multipurpose hall at Kiyinda COU Primary School in Lyantonde District.

“Since construction stalled after roofing, we need to finish the floor, install windows and doors, add a verandah, equip the hall with desks, and boost water harvesting. Besides that, we also need a set of energy-conserving stoves for the kitchen,” revealed Tabaire.

Upon completion, Tabaire said, this project will not only contribute to a better learning environment but also enable the school to earn income by renting the hall out to the community for various events.

During his term of office, Tabaire has pledged to strengthen the club’s Foundation giving, enhance member engagement through a trackable plan, and deliver a new three-year club strategy.

“Throughout the year, we will undertake selected activities to mark the club’s 10th anniversary. We will, for example, launch a signature fundraising project, launch an investment club for members and also hold a medical camp and home hospitality in Bupadhengo in Kamuli District,” stated Tabaire.

Through impactful projects, PDG Stephen Mwanje revealed that they have revitalised communities and transformed countless lives. Adding that the 10-year celebrations are not just an existence, but an impactful service.

According to Rtn Ruth Namutebi, the ten-year anniversary is a celebration of friendships formed, communities transformed, and challenges embraced with courage and creativity. It is a reminder that Rotary is not just an organisation, it is a living, breathing force for good.

“We have planted seeds of hope in places where despair once lingered. We have lifted voices, opened opportunities, and stood together in moments that demanded compassion and leadership.” Namutebi concluded.