Hon. Noah Kiyimba holding one of the stoves made at the facility
The Buganda Minister for Cabinet, Lukiiko and Special Duties in the Office of the Katikkiro, Hon. Noah Kiyimba, toured Rokaways Creative Technologies, a company founded by Robert Kasagga.
Kasagga manufactures stoves that use recycled motor oil instead of firewood or charcoal to cook food and boil water. His innovation aims to protect the environment while promoting sustainable development.
The stoves come in different sizes — small ones for households and larger models for schools and community functions.
Minister Kiyimba said Buganda Kingdom supports all innovators, especially the youth:
“This is the kind of innovation we need as we move forward to build Buganda. Young people with such creativity must be encouraged and supported.”
He added that Ugandans must learn to produce quality products:
“Foreign products often outcompete ours because of better finishing and standards. Innovators like Kasagga add real value to our country and deserve full government support.”
How the stoves are made at Rokaways Creative Technologies
Hon. Kiyimba encouraged Ugandans to protect the environment by embracing this cooking technology, instead of relying on charcoal and firewood which lead to deforestation. He urged Kasagga to extend awareness and training to schools, especially vocational institutions.
Kasagga explained that the stoves run on used motor oil, often considered waste, which he transforms into clean energy for cooking. He admitted that he faces challenges, particularly criticism from competitors selling substandard products, but he remains committed to producing reliable and affordable stoves.
Nabukeera Agnes, a sales agent at Rokaways Creative Technologies, highlighted the savings these stoves provide:
“One liter of oil costing 1,500 UGX can be used for up to two days or more. This saves households money they would otherwise spend on charcoal, firewood, or electricity.”