Kampala — Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban until the government presents a comprehensive report on the restrictions and the availability of alternative cooking fuels.
Oboth-Oboth announced the decision during Wednesday’s plenary sitting, saying enforcement would be difficult without addressing the practical challenges faced by security agencies and communities that depend on charcoal.
“I do that not because I support charcoal use, but because I am aware of how difficult it is going to be for enforcers,” he said.
The Speaker directed the government to present the report to Parliament on October 21, with details on the implementation of the restrictions and the distribution of alternative cooking fuels.
The decision comes amid intensified security operations to enforce President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which restricts commercial charcoal production, burning and trade in northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja and Teso.
Security agencies have recently impounded hundreds of bags of charcoal as authorities pursue people involved in activities prohibited under the order.
However, the enforcement measures have raised questions about the impact on households that rely on charcoal for cooking and traders whose livelihoods depend on the business.
During the sitting, Oboth-Oboth also questioned whether the government’s programme to distribute gas cylinders had reached ordinary households.
He said he was unaware of anyone in his West Budama Central constituency who had received a gas cylinder through the programme.
“I think I’m the only one with a gas cylinder, and because I am a Speaker,” he said.
He subsequently directed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to provide statistics on the distribution programme when the government presents its report.
The issue has brought renewed attention to the affordability and accessibility of alternative cooking fuels as the government pursues environmental conservation measures.
The Leader of Opposition has criticised the crackdown, arguing that enforcement should not proceed without adequate alternatives for communities that depend on charcoal.
The government has defended the restrictions as part of its efforts to protect forests and address environmental degradation. However, the parliamentary debate has highlighted the need to establish whether alternative energy programmes can meet the needs of affected households.
The report expected next Wednesday is intended to provide lawmakers with information on the progress of the restrictions, the reach of the gas cylinder distribution programme and the challenges encountered during enforcement.
Parliament will then have an opportunity to examine the government’s response and consider the next steps in implementing the charcoal restrictions.
