Uganda Parliament Halts Enforcement of Commercial Charcoal Ban Pending Alternatives Report

KAMPALA — Uganda’s Parliament has suspended the enforcement of the 2023 ban on commercial charcoal in key regions, citing the need for the government to first provide viable clean cooking alternatives and a comprehensive transition plan.

The decision, announced by Speaker Rt. Hon. Oboth Oboth, will remain in effect until the Ministry of Energy delivers a detailed report on alternative energy sources by October 21.

“I do that not because I support charcoal use, but because I am aware of how difficult it is going to be for enforcers,” Speaker Oboth Oboth stated during the plenary session, acknowledging the practical challenges of implementing the ban without adequate substitutes. The Speaker is expected to review a comprehensive report from the government next Wednesday.

The 2023 ban was originally introduced to curb deforestation. However, its enforcement has been met with significant economic and logistical hurdles. Traders have reported that over 90,000 bags of charcoal, valued at approximately Shs2.4 billion, are currently stranded. Households, meanwhile, have expressed concerns regarding the reliability of the power grid and the affordability of switching to alternatives such as gas, electric cookers, and biogas.

The opposition has echoed these practical concerns. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi emphasized that the ban can only be successful if the government guarantees access to alternatives.

“The ban on charcoal sale can only be viable if Gov’t ensures that alternative energy sources are easily accessible to the population,” Ssenyonyi posted on X, using the hashtag #KeepingTheGovtInCheck.

The debate has also sparked broader discussions on the Speaker’s performance. Political figure Nyanjura Doreen O. commended the Speaker’s decision to suspend the ban, noting it aligns with the sentiments of many Ugandans who feel the government has not yet provided viable alternatives. She also highlighted another recent incident where the Speaker threatened to personally accompany the Leader of Opposition to Lubowa Hospital if he was denied access, though she urged him to also focus on addressing human rights violations.

In response to the ongoing transition challenges, the government has been pushing events and proposing special tariffs to build public support for the shift away from charcoal. The temporary suspension of the ban enforcement is intended to allow Parliament to thoroughly evaluate the Energy Ministry’s upcoming report before proceeding with the transition.