Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and products in Uganda, participated in the Church of Uganda’s Annual Heads of Education Institutions Retreat, showcasing its impactful cooking solutions for institutions.
Held at Uganda Christian University, Mukono, from 15th to 18th December, the retreat brought together education leaders from across the country, representing more than 2,000 pre-primary schools, 5,200 primary schools, 630 secondary schools, 50 Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) institutions and five universities. This year’s discussions focused on the theme “Alternative Energy Cooking System Use in Schools”, reflecting the growing need for cleaner, safer and more sustainable cooking solutions within Uganda’s education sector.
At the retreat, Vivo Energy Uganda demonstrated how institutional Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) provides a practical and scalable alternative to firewood and charcoal. As schools continue to seek ways to improve efficiency, safety and environmental stewardship, LPG is increasingly recognised as a modern solution that supports daily operations while reducing health and environmental risks.
Vivo Energy Uganda showcased its market-leading institutional LPG solution, which is already making a tangible difference in school kitchens across the country. A flagship example is King’s College Budo, where a modern LPG system has reduced reliance on firewood and charcoal. The transition has created cleaner and healthier working conditions for kitchen staff, improved operational efficiency and contributed to environmental protection by easing pressure on Uganda’s forests.
Speaking at the retreat, Mrs Joanita Mukasa Menya, Managing Director at Vivo Energy Uganda, highlighted the broader purpose behind the company’s engagement. “Our participation reflects our sustainability framework at Vivo Energy, which is built on three pillars: People, Planet, Partnerships” she said. “By working closely with education institutions and partners, we are supporting schools to adopt cleaner cooking solutions that protect the health and safety of people, strengthen long-term partnerships and reduce environmental impact. LPG offers schools an immediate and practical way to modernise their kitchens while contributing to a more sustainable future.”
The initiative aligns with Vivo Energy Uganda’s wider sustainability agenda, which focuses on lowering environmental impact, improving public health and supporting national efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources. The company continues to work with schools, hospitals, hospitality businesses and community institutions to promote the safe and efficient use of LPG.
Mr Alvin Bamutire, LPG Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, noted the increasing interest from schools nationwide. “Many institutions are actively looking for alternatives to traditional biomass due to rising costs, safety concerns and the need for cleaner environments,” he said. “Our institutional LPG systems are designed specifically for the scale and demands of schools. We provide not just the equipment, but also the technical expertise and ongoing support needed to ensure safe and reliable use.”
As Uganda prepares for first oil in 2026, Vivo Energy Uganda is strengthening national capacity for LPG storage, handling and distribution. Through its joint venture with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), the company will be supporting the safe delivery of increasing volumes of locally available LPG to institutions and households, enhancing energy security and accelerating the adoption of clean cooking solutions.
In parallel, Vivo Energy Uganda is currently expanding access to LPG through the Eno Deal Super partnership with the Uganda Energy Credit Capitalisation Company (UECCC). This financing initiative is enabling more households and small institutions to acquire LPG cylinders and accessories affordably. Supported by a wide network of Shell service stations offering certified LPG, the company continues to play an active role in Uganda’s transition to cleaner cooking.
Vivo Energy Uganda remains committed to championing clean-cooking technologies and supporting schools and communities as they progress towards safer, more sustainable energy solutions.
