UNACC and NREP Lead Another Successful eCooking Awareness Campaign in Mbale

The Mbale Clean Cooking Exhibition, held from 10th to 15th February 2025, was a big step forward in promoting eCooking and clean energy solutions. In partnership with NREP, UKAid, MECS, and other key stakeholders, the week-long exhibition brought together community leaders, residents from urban areas and informal settlements, and clean energy experts—all focused on helping people shift from traditional cooking methods to modern, sustainable alternatives.

Community members gather for a group photo after an engaging eCooking workshop in Mbale.

The exhibition was engaging, interactive, and informative. One of the key sessions was the leaders’ workshop, where local authorities and stakeholders sat down to discuss the challenges stopping many from adopting clean cooking technologies in Mbale. During this session, Dr. Paul Nduhura from NREP emphasized that concerns about electricity costs, safety, and food taste could be addressed with the right information and proper guidance.

"Our discussions today have shown that the high cost of electricity, safety concerns, and myths about the taste of food cooked in Electric Pressure Cookers (EPCs) can be overcome with the right technology and proper guidance."

Alongside this, we held community dialogues where residents shared their thoughts and experiences. These sessions gave people space to ask questions and clear up misconceptions about eCooking. One community member shared:

"I used to worry that switching to electric cooking would be too dangerous and expensive. But after seeing the demonstration, I now see that these modern solutions are not only efficient but also affordable."

Nelson Byanyima, UNACC Communications Officer, explains the functionality of the Electric Pressure Cooker to participants.

Radio also played a key role in spreading our message beyond the exhibition space. We hosted live radio talk shows on Elgon FM 101.4 on Tuesday the 11th and later another session on Wednesday on Open Gate FM 103.2, both from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The shows were in local languages to make sure the message reached as many people as possible. During the Open Gate FM session, one caller said:

"I never realized that just 0.4 kWh of electricity can cook a full meal so quickly. This is truly a game changer for our community."

Other callers asked if this initiative would expand to other areas, while some raised concerns about the high upfront costs of the appliances. Our team explained that solutions like community savings groups and flexible payment plans are already in place to help households afford modern cooking technologies. Dr. Nduhura also used the platform to highlight how eCooking is not just cost-effective but also reduces emissions, contributing to climate action.

NREP and UNACC team pose for a photo after a successful radio talk show on Open Gate FM.

The cooking demonstrations were another highlight of the exhibition. Participants had a chance to cook with EPCs, preparing different local dishes under the guidance of experienced trainers. These sessions showed how modern cooking reduces cooking time by up to 50-70% while using much less energy than traditional methods. Many were surprised by how delicious the food tasted, breaking the myth that pressure cooker meals lack flavor.

Members of the public had the opportunity to experience Electric Pressure Cookers firsthand, learning about their efficiency, affordability, and ease of use.

A key moment during the Leaders’ Workshop was when Mbale City Development Forum President, Mr. Walusimbi Ali, stressed the need for clear and accessible communication:

"We must simplify this message so that everyone can understand it. The fact that just a small amount of electricity can cook a meal—without smoke and in a fraction of the time—is eye-opening. This means families can cut costs and redirect their savings toward their children's education."

His message highlighted that clean cooking is more than just efficiency—it’s about reducing costs and improving household well-being. Inspired by this, he pledged to create a WhatsApp group for the City Development Forum to keep the conversation going and ensure more people embrace the transition to clean cooking.

Participants had the chance to taste food prepared by their own community members, helping to dispel the myth that meals cooked with an Electric Pressure Cooker lack flavor.

As the exhibition wrapped up, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many left with a clear understanding of how clean cooking benefits their health, finances, and the environment.

Next, we are heading to Jinja from 17th to 22nd February 2025 to continue spreading the clean cooking message. With support from NREP, UNACC, UKAid, UKMecs, and all our partners, we are keeping up the momentum and ensuring more communities embrace affordable, sustainable, and energy-efficient cooking solutions.