In a bid to revolutionize clean cooking in its facilities amid rising inmate populations, the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) is exploring a groundbreaking partnership with Tanzania's State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) to produce and distribute Rafiki Briquettes, an affordable and environmentally sustainable fuel alternative.
The collaboration was spotlighted during a high-level meeting hosted by Uganda's Commissioner General of Prisons, Can. Dr. Johnson Byabashaija, who welcomed STAMICO's Managing Director, Dr. Venance Mwasse. Dr. Byabashaija highlighted the longstanding post-independence ties between Uganda and Tanzania, describing them as a foundation for fruitful future endeavors. "Uganda has enjoyed a very good working relationship with Tanzania since post-independence times," he said, expressing keen interest in joint initiatives that align with environmental conservation goals.
UPS, which has been experimenting with small-scale briquette production in its own facilities, views this venture as a timely opportunity to address escalating energy needs. Dr. Byabashaija emphasized the initiative's potential to safeguard the environment, noting that briquettes could significantly reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, curbing deforestation and indoor air pollution.
Dr. Mwasse, whose corporation manufactures the innovative Rafiki Briquettes, shared Tanzania's success story to underscore the partnership's promise. He revealed that 129 prisons across Tanzania have adopted these clean cooking briquettes as a reliable energy-saving solution. "Briquettes are cheaper, more affordable, provide heat for more than four hours, and are both environmentally friendly and user-friendly,"
Dr. Mwasse explained, positioning them as the ideal clean energy option for correctional services. Made from refined coal waste sourced from STAMICO's operations, Rafiki Briquettes burn cleaner and longer than traditional fuels, emitting fewer harmful gases and reducing health risks for cooks and inmates alike. This aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action), promoting sustainable resource use in resource-strapped public institutions.
The meeting, attended by UPS top management and senior STAMICO executives, culminated in a proposal for a joint venture to tap into Uganda's burgeoning market. Dr. Mwasse urged Ugandan citizens to embrace briquettes, citing their proven track record in Tanzanian institutions—from prisons to households—as a model for broader adoption.
