national 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Energy Ministry Defers Charcoal Ban Mandate to Water and Environment Ministry

State Minister for Mineral Development, Phiona Nyamutoro, stated that her ministry lacks the authority to address the charcoal ban, redirecting inquiries to the Ministry of Water and Environment. Meanwhile, Parliament has temporarily halted the ban's enforcement pending a statement from the Energy Minister. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/energy-ministry-lacks-mandate-to-address-charcoal-ban-says-minister-nyamutoro-5637542

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development has clarified that it does not possess the mandate to address the national charcoal ban. Minister of State for Mineral Development, Ms. Phiona Nyamutoro, explained that her ministry’s role is not to enforce or manage the charcoal ban, which she stated falls under the purview of the Ministry of Water and Environment and other relevant environmental agencies.

President Museveni issued an executive order in 2023 restricting charcoal production and trade in several sub-regions due to rampant deforestation. Ms. Nyamutoro emphasized that her ministry views the situation as an opportunity to advocate for clean cooking alternatives. She highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting a shift towards cleaner energy sources, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and locally sourced briquettes or pellets.

This clarification comes as Parliament has suspended the enforcement of the charcoal ban until October 21, 2026. The decision by Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth followed concerns raised by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, about the public alarm caused by the ban and the slow pace of providing affordable alternatives to the 87-94% of Ugandans who rely on charcoal and firewood, according to a 2024 Ubos survey.

Despite the lack of mandate on the ban itself, the Ministry of Energy has reported significant progress in promoting LPG adoption. Annual LPG consumption has tripled since 2019, and the ministry aims to distribute one million LPG starter kits. Future domestic LPG production from Albertine petroleum resources is expected to further reduce prices and increase accessibility. The government anticipates that this increased availability and affordability will drive demand for cleaner cooking solutions across the nation.