MUKONO – Less than two years after its establishment, Enersave Enterprises Limited has emerged as one of Uganda’s fast-growing clean energy companies, transforming from a start-up into a recognised clean cooking hub through strategic financing, innovation and expanding access to modern cooking technologies.
Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Baggala Zone, Seeta, Mukono District, the company has been recognised as a hub under the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking (UNACC), a milestone that reflects its growing contribution to Uganda’s transition from traditional fuels to cleaner and more sustainable cooking solutions.
The company’s rapid expansion was made possible through the Results-Based Financing (RBF) programme implemented by GIZ EnDev in partnership with Equity Bank Uganda, which provided financial support to scale up operations and improve access to clean cooking technologies.
Through the programme, Enersave successfully distributed 301 electric pressure cookers (EPCs) across 30 districts, achieving its distribution target while significantly expanding its customer base.
Speaking about the company’s growth, Emmanuel Bassa, the Director of Enersave Enterprises Limited, said the financing provided much-needed working capital that enabled the business to diversify beyond electric pressure cookers.
“The funding boosted our operations and enabled us to expand our product range. Initially, we only sold electric pressure cookers, but we have since introduced solar cooking technologies, improved cookstoves, ethanol stoves and other clean energy products that have been well received by communities,” Bassa said.
Today, Enersave serves customers in more than 50 districts, almost doubling its geographical reach within a short period.
Beyond expanding sales, the financing programme also strengthened the company’s governance and institutional capacity.
To qualify for funding, Enersave developed key governance structures, including human resource and gender policies, while also producing audited financial statements, measures that have enhanced its credibility among investors.
“We are now investor-ready because of the systems we have put in place. We have governance structures, audited financial records and institutional policies that position us for future investment opportunities. Becoming members of the Uganda National Alliance on Clean Cooking has further strengthened our growth prospects,” Bassa added.
The growth of the clean cooking sector has also been supported by government interventions aimed at encouraging households to embrace electricity for cooking.
The Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) and the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) introduced a subsidised cooking tariff that allows domestic consumers to purchase a 70-unit cooking bundle at Shs412 per kilowatt-hour, making electric cooking more affordable.
According to Virginia Semakula, Equity Bank Uganda’s Head of Energy, Environment and Climate Change, access to affordable financing remains critical in increasing adoption of clean cooking technologies.
“Many Ugandans want solar systems, clean cookstoves and other renewable energy solutions, but the upfront costs remain high. Equity Bank works with companies like Enersave to make these technologies more accessible to households and small businesses,” she said.
Customers say the switch to clean cooking has significantly reduced household expenses while improving convenience.
Rose Nakayiba, a resident of Bugina Zone in Seeta, said buying an electric pressure cooker has drastically cut her monthly charcoal expenses.
“I was initially worried about electricity bills, but after using one electric pressure cooker, I realised how economical it is and bought a second one. I now spend about one unit of electricity to prepare a meal, which is much cheaper than charcoal. Previously, I spent around Shs80,000 every month on charcoal,” she said.
Nakayiba added that the appliance has also made cooking easier and more convenient, especially while travelling.
Another customer, Specioza Nalule, said the savings from switching to electric cooking have enabled her to invest in income-generating activities.
“The money I used to spend on charcoal is now saved through our women’s savings group, and I plan to invest it in my poultry business,” she said.
Beyond business growth, Enersave has expanded its social impact by establishing a Community-Based Organisation (CBO) that equips young people with vocational skills, including embroidery, while promoting awareness of clean energy technologies.
The company has also participated in several clean cooking exhibitions and awareness campaigns across the country, reaching more than 1,000 people through product demonstrations and community training.
As Uganda intensifies efforts to promote modern energy and reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood, Enersave says it plans to expand its range of clean cooking technologies, particularly solutions designed for off-grid communities with limited access to reliable electricity.
The company believes continued investment in affordable clean energy technologies will play a key role in improving livelihoods, protecting the environment and supporting Uganda’s transition to a greener economy.
