Parliament Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban pending a government report on the implementation of the restrictions and the availability of alternative cooking fuels.
The decision was announced during Wednesday’s plenary sitting after MPs raised concerns about the challenges security agencies face in enforcing the restrictions against communities that depend on charcoal for cooking.
“I do that not because I support charcoal use, but because I am aware of how difficult it is going to be for enforcers,” Oboth-Oboth said.
He directed the government to present a comprehensive report to Parliament on Wednesday, October 21, detailing the implementation of the restrictions and progress in providing alternative cooking fuels.
The suspension comes amid intensified security operations against the production, transportation and sale of charcoal in areas covered by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3 of 2023.
The order restricts commercial charcoal production, burning and trade in northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja and Teso as part of government efforts to curb deforestation and protect the environment.
Recent enforcement operations have led to the impounding of hundreds of bags of charcoal, raising concerns about the impact on traders and households that rely on the fuel for their daily cooking needs.
During the debate, Oboth-Oboth also questioned the reach of the government’s programme to distribute gas cylinders to encourage households to switch to alternative cooking methods.
The Speaker said he was unaware of anyone in his West Budama Central constituency who had benefited from the programme.
“I think I’m the only one with a gas cylinder, and because I am a Speaker,” he remarked.
He directed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to provide figures showing how many people had received gas cylinders and the extent to which the programme had been implemented.
The debate highlights the challenge facing the government as it seeks to protect forests while ensuring households can access affordable cooking energy.
Although the charcoal restrictions are intended to curb environmental degradation, questions remain about whether alternatives such as gas are sufficiently available and affordable, particularly for low-income households.
The Leader of Opposition has criticised the enforcement measures, arguing that the crackdown is proceeding without adequate alternatives for affected communities.
The government’s report is expected to give MPs an opportunity to examine the implementation of the restrictions, assess progress in distributing alternative cooking fuels and scrutinise the challenges facing enforcement agencies.
Parliament is expected to receive the report on October 21, when lawmakers may resume discussions on the charcoal restrictions and the availability of alternative cooking energy.
