SOROTI — Efforts to reduce heat emissions and promote clean energy at Soroti Central Market are gaining momentum, with two out of four biogas cooking units currently operational.
The initiative, spearheaded by Dundu Investment Limited, aims to transition food vendors from charcoal stoves to biogas as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. The company collects garbage and organic waste from the market, processes it, and converts it into biogas for cooking.
According to officials, the system not only provides an alternative source of energy but also contributes to improved waste management by turning organic waste into usable fuel.
Deni Elapu, the Sales and Operations Officer at Dundu Investment Limited, confirmed that four vendors were initially connected to the system, but only two are currently using it.
“We connected four food vendors, but two opted out due to concerns about cost,” Elapu said.
He explained that the process begins with the collection and separation of waste, where biodegradable materials such as vegetable remains and fruit waste are isolated from plastics and polythene materials.
“The organic waste is then fed into a biodigester, which produces methane gas used for cooking, while the liquid by-product is converted into fertilizer,” he added.
Elapu noted that vendors using the biogas system are charged Shs 3,000 per day, a fee that supports waste collection and system maintenance.
The project comes in response to growing concerns about heat emissions and environmental pollution caused by charcoal stoves, particularly in the market’s food section.
During recent World Earth Day activities, vendors raised concerns about excessive heat and smoke, while others cited the cost of biogas and slower cooking times as challenges.
Despite these concerns, some vendors have embraced the new system.
Alfred Wabudeya, chairperson of the food vendors’ section, said biogas offers both environmental and financial benefits.
“Charcoal costs up to Shs 5,000 a day, while biogas costs only Shs 3,000. It is also smokeless, which makes the environment better for both vendors and customers,” Wabudeya said.
Non-biodegradable waste such as plastic bottles and polythene bags collected from the market is transported to recycling facilities, where it is processed into other environmentally friendly products.
City authorities say the initiative is part of a broader plan to improve sanitation, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices in urban markets.
While adoption remains gradual, stakeholders believe that with increased awareness and support, more vendors will transition to biogas, helping to create a cleaner and healthier environment in Soroti City.
