Mbarara Residents Push Back Against Charcoal Ban Amidst High Alternative Fuel Costs

Residents, charcoal vendors, and local officials in Mbarara City have voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposed ban on charcoal. Their primary concern is that alternative cooking fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity, remain too expensive and often unreliable for many households and small businesses.

Many individuals, especially those with fluctuating daily incomes, find charcoal to be the most practical and affordable option. They can purchase it in small quantities that fit their immediate budgets. The cost of switching to gas or electricity is a significant barrier, with a single gas refill reportedly exceeding some families’ entire weekly food expenditure.

Small business owners, particularly those operating street food stalls that rely on continuous cooking, fear an immediate ban would lead to widespread closures. They point out that electricity outages are frequent, and gas is prohibitively expensive for commercial use. These entrepreneurs are calling for realistic solutions rather than abrupt restrictions.

Mbarara City Deputy Mayor Ronald Taremwa Bamuhayira echoed these sentiments, stating that the government needs to address fundamental issues of energy access and affordability before enforcing a charcoal ban. He highlighted that many areas lack reliable electricity, and only a few can afford solar or gas technologies.

Charcoal vendors, who have relied on the trade for years to support their families, question the feasibility of the ban for consumers who struggle to afford even small amounts of charcoal. They suggest that the government should first focus on reducing taxes and costs associated with gas and electricity to make them more accessible.

Community leaders are urging a phased approach to cleaner cooking fuels, emphasizing the need for measures that make LPG more affordable, improve electricity infrastructure, and provide support for households unable to immediately adopt new technologies. These concerns underscore the delicate balance the government faces in promoting cleaner energy while protecting vulnerable populations and small businesses.

Source: Nile Post