Gulu University has launched a Green Charcoal Living Lab in Pabbo Town Council, Amuru District under the Unlocking the Potential of Green Charcoal Innovation to Mitigate Climate Change in Northern Uganda (UPCHAIN) project. The initiative aims to provide sustainable energy alternatives to reduce deforestation and charcoal burning in Northern Uganda.
The Living Lab was launched under the theme “Green Charcoal Innovation for Climate Mitigation.”
Supporting Government Efforts on Climate and Youth Skilling
Amuru Resident District Commissioner, Oceng Geoffrey Osborn, who officiated the event, commended Gulu University for implementing a project aligned with government priorities.
“This initiative supports the government’s efforts in youth skilling and community empowerment—key areas President Yoweri Museveni has consistently emphasized,” Oceng said.
Amuru District LC5 Chairperson, Michael Lakony, welcomed the project and urged the Danish government to sustain its funding for further research and replication.
“If more funding is given to Gulu University, this research can continue, and more communities will benefit. Scholars don’t shout like us politicians; they work through research, and now we can see the results,” Lakony said.
Calls for Government Support and Publicity
Adjumani District LC5 Chairperson, Ben Anyama, called for greater awareness about the project to attract government support.
“There should be enough publicity so that the government knows Gulu University is leading this great initiative. We are ready to work with you to ensure its success,” Anyama said.
Gulu City Secretary for Planning, Finance, and Administration, Caroline Rose Adong, urged local authorities to integrate the project into development plans and extend its benefits to secondary schools.
“As local government, we need to include this in our development agenda so that partners can support youth skilling projects,” Adong emphasized.
Green Charcoal to Reduce Deforestation
Dr. Collins Okello, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment at Gulu University, said the Green Charcoal initiative would help curb deforestation and unsustainable charcoal burning in Amuru and Northern Uganda.
Gulu University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Okello Owiny, who represented Vice Chancellor Prof. George Ladaah Openjuru, highlighted the national importance of the project.
“President Yoweri Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, banning charcoal burning in Northern and Eastern Uganda to stop deforestation. This makes the UPCHAIN project even more critical,” Prof. Owiny said.
Collaboration with Danish Universities
Gulu University is implementing UPCHAIN in partnership with Aalborg University and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, with funding from the Danish government.
The Green Charcoal Living Lab is expected to provide a sustainable alternative to charcoal burning while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
