Parliament Halts Charcoal Ban Enforcement Pending Government Statement

The Parliament of Uganda has temporarily halted the enforcement of a ban on charcoal burning and trade, pending a crucial statement from the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development. The directive was issued by Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth, who stressed the need for the government to update the House on the ban’s progress and its efforts to promote alternative energy solutions.

The ban, stemming from Presidential Executive Order No. 3 issued in May 2023, targets charcoal production and trade in the West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, and Teso sub-regions. However, concerns have been raised regarding the widespread reliance on charcoal and firewood among Ugandans, with a 2024 UBOS survey indicating that between 87% and 94% of the population uses these traditional energy sources.

Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, highlighted the public alarm caused by the ban’s enforcement and questioned the government’s progress in making affordable alternative energy accessible. He pointed out that despite the directive being in place for some time, many citizens still cannot afford cleaner options like LPG.

While the Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, mentioned initiatives like distributing free LPG cylinders and promoting electric cooking, ethanol, and biogas, questions remain about their actual impact and affordability for the general population. The government acknowledged that addressing the issue requires a phased approach involving multiple agencies.

The Speaker’s decision aims to provide a grace period for the government to present a clearer strategy and for enforcers to manage the complex transition, acknowledging the potential hardship for many Ugandans. The House expects a detailed statement next Wednesday to outline the way forward.

Source: Parliament of Uganda