Govt distributes 2,000 free gas cylinders, cookers to curb climate change in Acholi

Gulu, (UG):- The government of Uganda on Tuesday, March 25, distributed at least 2,000 gas cylinders to local communities in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at curbing rampant tree cutting in the Acholi subregion.

The Ugandan government, in partnership with Stabex International Ltd, launched a program to distribute one million LPG starter kits, including locally manufactured 13kg cylinders, accessories, and cookstoves, to promote safe and clean cooking, with a focus on northern Uganda.

This forward-thinking approach aims to provide a sustainable alternative to firewood, traditionally used for cooking. By promoting the use of gas cylinders, the government seeks to minimize the devastating impact of deforestation on the environment, biodiversity, and local ecosystems.

By taking proactive steps to address deforestation, the government demonstrates its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. The success of this initiative will likely serve as a model for other regions, contributing to a broader national effort to combat climate change.

The petroleum officer Edward M Nuwamanya, during an interview with the DailyExpress, said that the high cost of gas cylinders has been a major obstacle for households adopting cooking gas, but the government’s initiative to distribute free gas cylinders is a game-changer.

This will deliberate effort to promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the local communities. This endeavor is driven by the urgent need to address the devastating impact of biomass use on the environment, human health, and the economy.

He also revealed the government’s plans to distribute one million LPG starter kits to Ugandans for free. These kits will include locally manufactured 13kg cylinders, accessories, and a cook stove

This initiative is part of a broader campaign to transition 20% of households from using biomass for cooking to modern energy sources over the next five years.

Alfred Okwonga, the City Mayor of Gulu City, has welcomed the government’s initiative to distribute 2,000 gas cylinders in the region, citing its potential to curb deforestation and mitigate climate change.

“This project will help reduce our reliance on firewood and charcoal, which are major contributors to tree cutting and environmental degradation,” Okwonga explained.

However, Okwonga appealed to the Ministry of Energy to consider reducing the cost of filling the gas cylinders. Currently, the cost stands at UGX 100,000, which may be unaffordable for many residents.

“We urge the Ministry to reduce the cost to at least UGX 50,000, making it more accessible to our people,” Okwonga said. By making clean energy more affordable, the government can encourage more households to adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute to a sustainable future.

In the Acholi sub-region, environmental activists have been advocating for affordable clean energy sources to curb the over-reliance on wood fuel. The government’s gas cylinder distribution initiative is a step towards addressing this concern and promoting a cleaner, healthier environment

Peter Banya, the Deputy City Commissioner of Pece Laroo division, highlighted the significance of the campaign in addressing existing challenges related to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) adoption.

The initiative aims to tackle awareness gaps, transportation, and storage issues, ultimately promoting the use of LPG

Banya emphasized the crucial role of community participation in embracing gas cylinders. He encouraged community members to actively adopt and integrate gas cylinders into their daily lives, ensuring a smoother and more sustainable transition.

Mirrian Lajara, a grateful beneficiary of the gas cylinder initiative, expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the government for providing this vital resource. However, she also pointed out a significant challenge: the initial allocation of 2,000 cylinders falls short of meeting the demands of Gulu City’s growing population.

“We appreciate the government’s efforts, but 2,000 cylinders are not sufficient to cater to the needs of all households in Gulu City,” Lajara emphasized. “I kindly appeal to the government to consider increasing the number of cylinders to ensure that every household has access to this clean and efficient source of energy.”

Furthermore, Lajara urged the government to distribute the cylinders to rural villages, rather than just urban areas. This, she believes, will help reduce the demand for charcoal and encourage more people to adopt gas as a cleaner and more efficient cooking solution.

To ensure the success of the gas cylinder initiative, Lajara also advised the government to reduce the cost of buying gas. She noted that many local people prioritize affordability and may opt for cheaper, less sustainable options if gas is not priced competitively.

In 2013, the ministry of water and environment pumped 27 billion Uganda shillings into the rehabilitation of the Agroro irrigation scheme to boost agricultural productivity for more than 10,000 farmers. But upon its completion, the volume of water from the scheme has not been enough for farmers to support their farmlands.