Statistical analysis of determinants of household clean cooking energy adoption in Uganda

Abstract Adoption of clean cooking energy in Uganda remains limited, with the majority of households still dependent on traditional biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal. This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing the use of clean cooking energy using nationally representative data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included 18,956 households and applied descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for bivariate associations, and multivariable logistic regression to assess adjusted relationships, while accounting for the complex survey design and sampling weights. Findings revealed that the likelihood of using clean cooking energy was significantly higher among households headed by individuals with a university-level education. Wealthy households were 9.5 times more likely to use clean cooking energy compared to the poorest households. Ownership of household assets such as televisions and radios was also influential, as these media sources increased awareness of modern cooking fuels. Households in Tooro had 90% higher likelihood of using clean cooking energy, while those in North Buganda, Bukedi, West Nile, and Kigezi had significantly lower odds. Households with separate outdoor kitchens or those cooking outdoors had a 90% lower likelihood of using clean cooking energy. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policies aimed at improving access to clean energy, particularly through infrastructure expansion, regional equity measures, and financial incentives such as subsidies and microfinance, to accelerate the transition to cleaner, healthier cooking practices in Uganda.