TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda and UNOC officials at the official unveiling of the plant early this week
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda’s campaign to embrace gas in cooking has received a boost following the commissioning of TotalEnergies Marketing Uganda Limited’s newly revamped Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) filling and storage plant in Jinja.
The upgraded facility marks a significant step in the country’s transition from traditional biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood to cleaner energy sources, as Uganda intensifies efforts to promote sustainable cooking solutions.
The plant, now equipped with state-of-the-art, fully automated technology, is designed to ensure accurate cylinder filling, eliminate leakages, and provide tamper-proof sealing. This, according to the company, guarantees consumers a safer and more reliable supply of LPG, boosting confidence in gas as a household energy option.
Speaking at the commissioning, Olufemi Babajide said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to Uganda’s energy transition. “One of our values at TotalEnergies is ‘Pioneering Spirit’. This refurbished plant re-affirms our commitment to lead the delivery of quality, reliable, clean energy to all Ugandans, especially as the country looks forward to achieving local production of LPG in the oil region,” he said.
Babajide added that the project demonstrates TotalEnergies’ role in Uganda’s broader sustainability agenda. “It should assure everyone that TotalEnergies is very much a part of this country’s sustainable development story by ensuring safety of operations and products, efficiency of our services and environmental stewardship,” he noted.
The commissioning comes at a time when Uganda is actively encouraging households to shift to LPG to address health and environmental concerns linked to traditional cooking methods. According to Biova Biova Agbokou, the revamped plant aligns with the company’s global ambition to expand access to clean cooking.
“The modern facility shows our commitment to invest in supplying clean cooking energy that is not only easily and readily available, but which reduces the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disease associated with traditional stoves that use charcoal and firewood,” Agbokou said.
He further highlighted the social and environmental benefits of LPG adoption. “Cooking gas is a great time saver which will allow households more time to devote to nurturing relationships, education and entrepreneurship. Lastly, clean cooking solutions like LPG significantly reduce carbon emissions which are critical to the sustainability of life as we know it today. There is no reason why we should not all embrace LPG,” he added.
The Chief Guest, Steven Kaboyo, said the facility reflects Uganda’s commitment to cleaner and safer energy solutions. He noted that the investment aligns with the country’s adaptation strategy and its broader sustainability journey.
Operationally, the plant represents a major upgrade in capacity and efficiency. Jese Egesa revealed that the facility, which sits on approximately five acres, can store up to 140 tons of LPG and produce over 40 tons per day—up from about 30 tons previously. Daily cylinder output ranges between 40 and 50 tons depending on demand, with room for further expansion.
The development has also been welcomed by the Uganda National Oil Company, which views LPG as central to the country’s energy future. Ben Kagonyera described the commissioning as timely.
“This investment is both timely and necessary, as it complements ongoing efforts to promote clean cooking solutions and sustainable energy use,” Kagonyera said.
He further pointed to the long-term potential of domestic gas production. “With the commencement of oil production, gas will also be produced. This presents a valuable opportunity for Uganda to supply locally produced gas to its citizens, thereby improving access to LPG, which is a vital element of our energy ecosystem,” he explained.
As Uganda prepares for oil production, stakeholders believe the availability of locally produced LPG will further accelerate the shift away from biomass fuels. For now, the revamped Jinja facility signals a growing momentum toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking practices across the country.
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