Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth has suspended enforcement of the charcoal ban until the government presents a detailed report on the restrictions and the availability of alternative cooking fuels.
The directive was issued during Wednesday’s parliamentary sitting, following concerns about the practical difficulties of enforcing the restrictions while many households continue to depend on charcoal for cooking.
Oboth-Oboth said the decision was not an endorsement of charcoal use but a recognition of the challenges facing enforcement officers.
“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 its report on October 21, with particular attention to the implementation of the restrictions and the provision of alternative energy sources to affected communities.
The decision comes as security agencies intensify 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.
The enforcement operations have seen authorities impound hundreds of bags of charcoal, raising concerns among traders and households that rely on the fuel for their daily needs.
While the restrictions are intended to protect forests and curb environmental degradation, questions have emerged over whether households have been provided with affordable alternatives before enforcement measures are applied.
During the same sitting, Oboth-Oboth questioned the effectiveness of the government's programme to distribute gas cylinders to households.
He said he was unaware of anyone in his West Budama Central constituency who had received a cylinder under the programme.
“I think I’m the only one with a gas cylinder, and because I am a Speaker,” he said.
He directed the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to submit statistics showing the number of beneficiaries and the progress of the distribution programme.
The issue has drawn attention to the gap between the government's environmental objectives and the practical energy needs of ordinary Ugandans.
The Leader of Opposition has criticised the crackdown, arguing that restrictions on charcoal should be accompanied by accessible alternatives for communities that cannot easily afford other cooking fuels.
The government is expected to use the report to explain how the restrictions are being implemented, outline the progress of alternative energy programmes and address challenges facing enforcement agencies.
The report will also give MPs an opportunity to assess whether the measures are being implemented alongside sufficient support for affected households.
Parliament is expected to consider the government's findings on October 21, when further discussions on the charcoal restrictions and alternative cooking fuels may follow.
