King’s College Budo has made a landmark move by fully transitioning to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for its cooking needs.
This shift marks a significant step towards modernizing institutional cooking methods, reducing dependence on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal. This was revealed during the Founders Day event on Sunday, March 30.
With over 2,600 students, the school’s daily cooking operations require a high level of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. This transition to LPG, spearheaded in partnership with Vivo Energy Uganda, positions Budo as a pioneer in the adoption of clean energy within the education sector.
John Peter Damba, the school chef, emphasized the stark difference between cooking with firewood and LPG where previously, the school spent approximately sh2 million on a roll of firewood, which lasted only two days. In contrast, the new LPG system, which consists of a one-tonne (1,000 kg) gas cylinder, costs sh5 million to refill and lasts for 21 days. This cost-to-efficiency ratio presents substantial savings in terms of both fuel expenses and operational labor.
“The change is incredible,” Damba stated. “Cooking times have drastically reduced. Previously, brown rice (pilau) took five hours to cook, but now it is ready in just an hour and a half. Posho, which once took four hours, now cooks in one hour and twenty minutes. Even beans, which used to take six hours, are now ready in two and a half hours. Morning tea preparation, which previously required an entire overnight process, is now completed in just two hours.”
Beyond efficiency, the transition has transformed the work environment in the kitchen. “Before, the smoke from firewood was unbearable. The heat was so intense that after a long cooking shift, we would collapse on the floor from exhaustion,” Damba recalled. “Now, the air is clean, the kitchen is cooler, and our work attire remains neat throughout the day.”
Safety Measures
Although the switch to LPG initially raised concerns about safety, extensive training, and precautionary measures have reassured the staff. “At first, we were scared of using gas, but now we are fully comfortable with it. We have been trained in safety protocols, and every section of the kitchen is equipped with fire extinguishers,” Damba noted.
Alvin Bamutire, LPG Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, highlighted the rigorous safety standards of the installation. “This facility has been internationally verified and meets the highest safety requirements. The gas cylinders, imported from Portugal, are tested 1,200 times before being approved for use,” he explained.
“Additionally, there is a detailed response plan in case of emergencies, and regular maintenance and training are provided to ensure safety and efficiency,” he added.
Environmental and health benefits
The transition to LPG is not just a financial and operational decision but also an environmental and health-conscious one. Uganda has been grappling with deforestation due to the excessive use of firewood and charcoal for cooking. By adopting LPG, King’s College Budo is contributing to efforts aimed at reducing deforestation and lowering carbon emissions.
Joanita Menya Mukasa, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, pointed out that Uganda lags behind its neighbors in LPG adoption. “Currently, Uganda has one of the lowest per capita LPG usage rates in the region, at just 0.8 kg per person per year. In contrast, Kenya’s per capita usage ranges from 4 to 8 kg. Only about 3% of Ugandans use LPG,” she stated.
Mukasa emphasized that safety concerns had previously hindered adoption, but those fears are now being addressed. “Gas is not only safe but also far more efficient and environmentally friendly than firewood. With Uganda beginning oil drilling, one of the by-products will be gas, providing an opportunity to expand LPG accessibility. Our goal is to increase usage to at least 4 kg per capita shortly,” she added.
The health benefits of this transition are also noteworthy. Traditional biomass fuels produce high levels of indoor air pollution, which has been linked to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, and other health complications among those exposed to prolonged smoke. By switching to LPG, the kitchen staff at King’s College Budo now work in a cleaner, smoke-free environment, significantly improving their health and overall quality of life.
Canon John Fred Kazibwe, the Headmaster of King’s College Budo, expressed pride in the school’s leadership role in adopting sustainable solutions. “As an institution that values both academic excellence and the well-being of our community, we have to lead by example. This transition from charcoal and firewood to Shell Gas enhances the health and safety of our students and staff while reinforcing our commitment to environmental sustainability,” he said.
The school’s move sets a precedent for other institutions across Uganda. Schools, hospitals, and other large-scale cooking establishments stand to benefit from similar transitions, both in terms of cost savings and environmental impact.
Mukasa reiterated Vivo Energy’s commitment to supporting other institutions in making this switch. “We are proud to collaborate with schools across Uganda to introduce safer and more sustainable cooking solutions. By working together, we can move towards a cleaner energy future,” she noted.
King’s College Budo’s adoption of LPG aligns with Uganda’s broader energy goals. As the country moves toward expanding its oil and gas sector, there is growing interest in promoting LPG as a primary cooking fuel. The government has recognized the need to reduce dependency on biomass fuels, which account for over 90% of household energy use in Uganda.
A shift towards LPG not only helps in combating deforestation but also aligns with global climate change mitigation efforts. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 calls for “affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” and LPG plays a crucial role in achieving this target.
However, challenges remain. Widespread adoption of LPG is hindered by cost barriers, limited awareness, and infrastructure gaps. Many Ugandans still perceive gas as expensive and unsafe, despite evidence to the contrary. Addressing these misconceptions through education and government incentives will be key to increasing LPG penetration nationwide.
While Uganda still has a long way to go in increasing LPG adoption, initiatives like this demonstrate that change is possible. With continued investment in infrastructure, education, and policy support, Uganda can accelerate its transition to cleaner energy sources, reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal while promoting sustainability for future generations.
