By Face Up Uganda

Uganda’s ambition to transition urban households from charcoal to cleaner energy sources is facing significant resistance, as deeply rooted consumption habits continue to shape everyday life. Despite government targets to reduce reliance on traditional biomass from 75 percent to 50 percent by 2030, charcoal remains the primary cooking fuel for the majority of urban households.

In Kampala, the country’s capital and largest urban center, approximately 70.6 percent of households still depend on charcoal. This enduring reliance underscores not only cultural preferences but also the economic realities that make alternative energy sources less accessible for many families.

Energy analysts point out that charcoal is more than just a household fuel—it is the backbone of a vast informal economy valued at an estimated $580 million. The sector supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across production, transportation, and retail, making any abrupt transition both economically and socially sensitive.

This dynamic presents a complex dilemma for policymakers. On one hand, there is an urgent need to address environmental degradation, deforestation, and public health risks associated with charcoal use. On the other, the industry sustains a significant portion of the population, many of whom depend on it for daily survival.

For Uganda to achieve a meaningful energy transition, experts argue that solutions must go beyond policy targets. Affordable, reliable, and scalable clean energy alternatives—such as LPG, electricity, and renewable options—must be made accessible to ordinary citizens without undermining existing livelihoods.

Ultimately, the path to clean energy in Uganda will depend on balancing sustainability with economic inclusion—ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition.

The writer is Zoomer Africa's business advisor and professor at Dropout Children foundation