Vivo Energy Uganda has commissioned a Shell Gas bulk installation at Buwambo Seed Secondary School in Wakiso District, as part of efforts to promote the use of cleaner and safer cooking energy in educational institutions.

The installation is designed to provide the school with a reliable supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for large-scale meal preparation, replacing traditional cooking fuels such as firewood and charcoal.

The commissioning is part of Vivo Energy Uganda’s wider initiative to support schools in adopting cleaner cooking technologies while improving efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.

The bulk LPG facility comprises a storage vessel, pressure regulation equipment, gas piping, isolation valves, gas manifolds, emergency shut-off systems, leak detection equipment and firefighting infrastructure.

According to Vivo Energy Uganda, the installation was subjected to engineering assessments, pressure testing, safety inspections and operational trials before being commissioned.

The company said the system was designed by certified engineers and technicians to meet the school’s energy requirements while complying with applicable safety regulations and Shell engineering standards.

Kitchen staff at the school have also been trained in safe LPG handling, emergency procedures, system monitoring and the operation of institutional gas equipment.

Speaking at the commissioning, Vivo Energy Uganda Managing Director Joanita Mukasa Menya said the project reflects the company’s commitment to expanding access to cleaner energy solutions.

“At Vivo Energy Uganda, we believe energy has the power to transform lives beyond mobility. By supporting schools with safe and reliable Shell Gas solutions, we are helping create healthier learning environments, improving operational efficiency and contributing to Uganda’s transition towards cleaner sources of energy,” Menya said.

She added that the company was committed to working with institutions seeking to adopt safer and more sustainable energy solutions.

Alvin Bamutire, LPG Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, said safety remains a priority throughout the design, installation and operation of the company’s institutional LPG systems.

“From the initial engineering assessments and system design to installation, commissioning, staff training and ongoing maintenance, we ensure that every component meets rigorous international standards,” Bamutire said.

He said the systems provide institutions with a dependable source of energy while offering technical support to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Buwambo Seed Secondary School Headteacher Willy Kiwanuka welcomed the installation, saying it would improve the efficiency of the school’s kitchen operations and the welfare of learners and staff.

“The commissioning of this Shell Gas bulk installation is a transformative investment for our school. It will enable us to prepare meals more efficiently, maintain a cleaner and healthier kitchen environment, and improve the overall welfare of both our learners and staff,” Kiwanuka said.

The shift to LPG is also expected to reduce the school’s reliance on firewood and charcoal, which are associated with deforestation, environmental degradation and exposure to smoke.

Unlike solid biomass fuels, LPG produces minimal smoke and soot, helping to create cleaner kitchen environments and reduce exposure to pollutants associated with traditional cooking.

Vivo Energy Uganda said the installation could also ease some of the logistical challenges associated with procuring, transporting and storing large quantities of firewood.

Buwambo Seed Secondary School joins other Ugandan institutions that have adopted Shell Gas solutions, including King’s College Budo, St Peter’s Bombo Kalule, Kibuli Secondary School, Kiira College Butiki, Mengo Secondary School and Nabisunsa Girls’ School.

The initiative is in line with government efforts to expand access to clean cooking technologies and reduce reliance on biomass fuels.

Vivo Energy Uganda said it plans to continue investing in Shell Gas infrastructure for schools, hospitals, industries and other commercial institutions as part of its efforts to promote cleaner and more efficient energy use in Uganda.