Household energy mix in Uganda

This paper presents evidence that household energy use in Uganda conforms to the energy ladder theory. As household income increases, solid and transitional fuel use evolves in an inverse U manner, while electricity consumption shows a direct relationship with income. Public infrastructure provision, income, and education are the key variables which can be targeted to reduce household dependence on solid-fuels while increasing non-solid fuel use. While education and public infrastructure have varying impacts on rural and urban households' energy mix, these variables generally reduce rudimentary fuel use and increase modern fuel consumption. Timely investment in electricity infrastructure is necessary to cater for burgeoning electricity demand as households become affluent. Strategies for reforestation, dissemination of improved cookstoves, relieving supply side constraints for modern fuels, and staggered payment options to lower the cost of entry for modern fuels can improve Ugandan households' energy security. •Ugandan household energy use conforms to energy ladder theory.•All fuels except electricity exhibits an inverse U-shape trend with income.•Kerosene and charcoal have high turning points due to lack of modern substitutes.•Electricity use is increasing with income and shows no evidence of decline.•Infrastructure, education, and income are crucial to transitioning up the ladder.