By BM Musanje
As Buganda Kingdom prepares to celebrate the 32nd coronation anniversary of His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II on July 31, 2025, tributes have poured in from leaders, institutions, and an organization commending the monarch’s enduring leadership and commitment to community development.
Marking the milestone in a unique and impactful way, Ugandan environmentalists under the Joint Energy and Environment Projects (JEEP) have unveiled a new, energy-efficient cooking solution—the Save 80 cook stove at Kyanja, along Gayaza road in Wakiso district.
This initiative aligns with the Kabaka’s long-standing advocacy for environmental sustainability.
A Game-Changer for Rural Households:
The Save 80 stove, engineered to reduce firewood consumption by up to 80%, presents a climate-friendly alternative to traditional cooking methods like the sigiri and three-stone open fires, widely used in rural Uganda.
It also significantly lowers smoke emissions, promoting healthier, safer kitchens.
Speaking at the launch, Bishop Hannington Mutebi, the Emeritus Bishop of Kampala Diocese (Church of Uganda), praised the initiative and called on the government to support similar environmental efforts nationwide.
He commended Kabaka Mutebi II for being a consistent voice for environmental conservation during his 32-year reign.
Cleaner Cooking, Better Livelihoods
JEEP CEO Ruth Kiwanuka emphasized the dual benefits of the Save 80 stove—forest conservation and improved livelihoods. “By reducing the amount of firewood needed, rural families save both time and money that would otherwise go into fuel collection or purchase,” she noted.
Board Chairperson Dr. Muyinza Ssekamatte highlighted how rural families typically spend up to 25% of their monthly income on firewood. “Women, who carry the bulk of unpaid domestic work, spend hours gathering fuel. With the Save 80 stove, that burden is greatly reduced,” he said.
He also encouraged the planting of coffee trees to enhance both income and environmental resilience.
Uganda has lost nearly 60% of its forest cover since the 1990s, primarily due to illegal logging and firewood harvesting.
The nation continues to lose an estimated 2.6% of its remaining forest each year.
JEEP believes that widespread adoption of clean cooking technologies like the Save 80 stove can significantly curb deforestation and help restore degraded ecosystems.
Innovation Rooted in Tradition
Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Save 80 stove uses small sticks, twigs, or dry maize cobs as fuel.
Lighting it is as simple as using a sheet of paper and kindling. Once lit, a cooking pot is placed directly into the burning chamber. The stove is designed with local cooking habits in mind.
It is also paired with a Wonderbox, a heat-retention device that allows food to continue cooking without additional fuel.
Together, the system can reduce firewood use by up to 90%, without compromising food quality or cooking efficiency.
Honoring the Monarch’s Legacy
Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II officially ascended the throne on July 31, 1993, at Naggalabi Bbudo.
As part of this year’s coronation festivities, special prayers have been organized at Kibuli Mosque in Kampala to honor his reign and contributions.
As environmental issues continue to pose challenges globally, innovations like the Save 80 cook stove offer promising, practical solutions that blend tradition, technology, and sustainability, an apt tribute to a monarch who has championed the well-being of his people and the planet for over three decades.
