Ugandan environmentalists under the Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) have unveiled a new energy-efficient wood-burning stove—called the Save 80—to mark the 32nd Coronation Anniversary of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II.
The Save 80 stove is designed to reduce firewood consumption by up to 80%, offering a cleaner, climate-friendly alternative to traditional open-fire cooking, especially in rural households. It also significantly cuts smoke emissions, making kitchens safer and healthier.
Officiating at the launch, Bishop Hannington Mutebi, the Emeritus Bishop of Kampala Diocese (Church of Uganda), applauded the initiative and urged the government to support such projects as part of a broader national effort to preserve the environment.
He praised Kabaka Mutebi II for consistently advocating for environmental conservation throughout his 32-year reign.
Ruth Kiwanuka, Chief Executive Officer of JEEP, explained that the Save 80 stoves not only help conserve forests but also improves livelihoods.
“By reducing the amount of firewood needed, families—especially in rural areas—save time and money that would otherwise be spent on fuel collection or purchase,” she said.
Dr. Muyinza Ssekamatte, Chairperson of JEEP’s Board, highlighted the dual benefit of protecting the environment while improving household economics.
He noted that rural families often spend up to 25% of their monthly income on firewood. “Women, who bear the brunt of unpaid care work, spend hours gathering fuel. With the Save 80, that burden is greatly reduced,” he said.
He also encouraged households to plant coffee trees, noting their ability to support long-term income while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Uganda has lost about 60% of its forest cover since the 1990s, largely due to illegal logging and firewood harvesting.
The country continues to lose an estimated 2.6% of its remaining forest annually.
JEEP believes reducing firewood demand through clean cooking technologies like the Save 80 can create conditions for successful reforestation and forest protection.
The stove is user-friendly and tailored to local cooking practices. When paired with the Wonderbox—a companion device that allows food to continue cooking without additional heat—firewood use can be reduced by up to 90% without compromising cooking quality.
As environmental concerns rise globally, innovations like the Save 80 offer practical solutions that blend tradition, technology, and sustainability.
The save 80 cook stove is a stainless steel stove that requires less wood or fuel to cook.
Energy expert says the innovation is safer and less expensive that traditional stoves locally known as sigiri and three stone open fire cooking methods commonly used in rural households.
The stove uses a few small wood sticks or twigs, as well as dry maize cobs. Lighting is done by setting fire to a sheet of paper and some small pieces of wood in the burning chamber. When the fire is lighting, the pot is inserted.
The stove comes with a wonder box which is a thermal heat retention component. This is a complete set of the cooking process.
By Ben Musanje
30th July 2025
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