Abstract

Biogas technology offers a sustainable and renewable energy solution to Uganda’s 
challenges of energy poverty, environmental degradation, and inefficient 
agricultural waste management. Predominantly an agrarian nation with a high rural 
population dependent on traditional biomass fuels such as firewood and charcoal, 
Uganda stands to benefit significantly from adopting biogas. This review examines 
the current status of biogas technology adoption in Uganda by exploring its 
potential, national programs, adoption trends, barriers, recent innovations, gender 
and social considerations, and environmental and economic benefits of biogas use. 
The National Biogas Programme has played a pivotal role in promoting biogas 
through capacity-building and financing mechanisms; however, adoption remains 
limited by high installation costs, a lack of technical expertise, cultural 
perceptions, and policy gaps. Recent initiatives, including institutional biogas 
projects, private sector innovations, and gender-responsive approaches, 
demonstrate growing momentum and opportunities for scaling. The paper 
highlights the importance of integrating biogas into national energy, climate, and 
agricultural policies to foster inclusive and sustainable growth. Addressing 
financing constraints, enhancing technical capacity, and promoting gender and 
social inclusion are critical to unlocking the full benefits of biogas for Uganda’s 
clean energy transition and rural development.