By Nathan Eyagu

SOROTI – The High Court of Uganda sitting in Soroti has scheduled November 16, 2026, at 9:00 AM to hear a public interest application filed by lawyer Joshua Okello, also known as Jokel, against the Attorney General over the enforcement of Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 on charcoal burning and trade.

The application, filed under Miscellaneous Cause No. 05 of 2026 pursuant to the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act, 2019, challenges what Okello describes as the arbitrary enforcement of restrictions against domestic charcoal users and small-scale traders in Teso, Karamoja, West Nile and Northern Uganda.

In his Notice of Motion, received by the court on October 26, 2026, Okello argues that enforcing the restrictions without providing affordable, accessible and subsidised alternative energy sources undermines the constitutional rights, human dignity and livelihoods of vulnerable communities.

Among the remedies sought is a declaration that the enforcement measures are unconstitutional, alongside a permanent injunction restraining government agencies and law enforcement bodies from arresting, prosecuting small-scale charcoal traders or confiscating charcoal from low-income households until a comprehensive and affordable energy transition plan is implemented.

The applicant is also seeking an order of mandamus compelling the government to implement Parliament's directives issued by the Speaker on October 14, 2026, particularly the development of a pro-poor energy policy and the introduction of subsidised reforestation and community tree-growing initiatives.

Additionally, the application asks the court to declare that environmental conservation should be balanced with human survival, arguing that sustainable environmental policies should prioritise incentives for clean energy rather than measures that could deepen economic hardship among vulnerable communities.

The case brings into focus the tension between environmental protection and the economic realities of households and small-scale traders who depend on charcoal for cooking and income.

Charcoal restrictions have particularly significant implications for communities across Teso, Karamoja, West Nile and Northern Uganda, where affordable alternative energy remains a key concern.

The November 16 hearing is expected to provide an opportunity for the court to consider the applicant's arguments and the government's response.

However, the requested declarations and orders remain prayers before the court and have not yet been granted.

The proceedings are expected to attract interest from local leaders, charcoal traders and other stakeholders concerned about the implementation of the charcoal restrictions and access to affordable energy.