By Mulengera Reporters
Less than two years after its establishment, Enersave Enterprises Limited has quickly evolved from a fledgling clean energy start-up into one of Uganda’s rising players in the clean cooking sector, earning recognition as a hub under the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC).
The milestone goes beyond institutional recognition. It reflects how Results-Based Financing, strategic partnerships, and rising demand for clean energy solutions are reshaping Uganda’s cooking energy landscape while accelerating the growth of local enterprises.
Founded in 2024 and based in Baggala Zone, Seeta in Mukono District, Enersave Enterprises Limited set out with a clear mission: to expand access to clean cooking technologies across Uganda. The company’s product range includes electric pressure cookers (EPCs), solar-powered cooking systems, biogas solutions, improved cookstoves, and ethanol-based technologies. Alongside product supply, Enersave also carries out community sensitisation and training on clean energy adoption.
A major turning point came through the Results-Based Financing (RBF) programme implemented by GIZ EnDev in partnership with Equity Bank Uganda. The programme provided the working capital that enabled the company to scale operations and expand its reach across the country.
Through this support, Enersave successfully supplied 301 electric pressure cookers to households across 30 districts, meeting its distribution target and significantly widening its national footprint.
“The funding we received provided us with working capital that boosted our business operations,” said Emmanuel Bassa, Director of Enersave Enterprises Limited. “Initially, we only dealt in electric pressure cookers. Through the programme, we diversified our product portfolio to include solar cooking solutions, improved cookstoves, ethanol and ethanol stoves. These products were well received by communities, enabling us to achieve 100 percent of our EPC distribution target.”
Today, the company’s reach has expanded to more than 50 districts, nearly doubling its geographical coverage within a short period.
Beyond sales growth, the Results-Based Financing programme also strengthened Enersave’s internal systems, positioning it for long-term investment readiness. To qualify for funding, the company developed key governance structures, including gender and human resource policies, and produced audited financial statements.
These reforms have since enhanced the company’s credibility and investment appeal.
“We are now investor-ready because of the structures we put in place,” Bassa added. “We have governance systems, audited books of accounts, and institutional policies that make us attractive to future investors. We also became members of the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking, which will further support our growth.”
Equity Bank’s involvement has also played a key role in expanding access to clean energy financing. The bank notes that many households and small businesses are interested in renewable energy solutions but are often constrained by high upfront costs.
“Many Ugandans want solar systems, clean cookstoves, and renewable energy solutions, but the initial costs remain too high,” said Virginia Semakula, Equity Bank Energy, Environment and Climate Change Pillar Head. “Equity Bank partners with companies like Enersave to bring these services closer to them.”
Policy shifts in the energy sector have further supported the transition to cleaner cooking. The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) introduced a reduced cooking tariff, allowing domestic consumers to access a 70-unit cooking bundle at Shs 412 per kilowatt-hour for consumption between the 81st and 150th units. This incentive is encouraging more households to shift away from charcoal and firewood toward electric cooking technologies.
For consumers like Rose Nakayiba of Bugina Zone in Seeta, the switch has been both economical and convenient.
“I was initially worried about the electricity bills,” she said. “But after buying one EPC and seeing how economical it was, I bought a second one. I use about one unit of electricity to prepare a meal, which is much cheaper than buying charcoal. Previously, I spent about UGX 80,000 every month on charcoal.”
She added that the appliance has also improved convenience in daily life. “Whenever I travel, I carry my EPC because I can cook anywhere there is electricity. It keeps my kitchen clean and saves me a lot of time regardless of what I am preparing.”
Another customer, Specioza Nalule, said the savings from switching to electric cooking have extended beyond the kitchen, creating new financial opportunities.
“As a housewife, I now save the money I used to spend on charcoal. I contribute those savings to a weekly women’s savings group and I plan to invest the money in my poultry business,” she said.
Beyond its commercial growth, Enersave has also expanded its social impact. The company established a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) that equips young people with vocational skills, including embroidery, while promoting awareness of clean energy solutions.
It has also participated in multiple clean cooking exhibitions and expos across Uganda, reaching more than 1,000 people through demonstrations and training sessions.
According to the company, these outreach efforts have strengthened its brand visibility while driving adoption of clean cooking technologies.
Looking ahead, Enersave plans to further expand its product portfolio, with a particular focus on solutions suited for off-grid communities where access to reliable electricity remains limited, as Uganda continues its push toward modern and sustainable energy access. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
