Uganda Parliament Halts Controversial Charcoal Ban, Offering Reprieve to Vendors

Parliament has intervened to halt the immediate enforcement of a ban on the charcoal trade, a move that offers temporary relief to numerous vendors and low-income households across Uganda. Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth announced on October 14, 2026, that the crackdown would be suspended until October 21, following concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the lack of affordable alternatives for citizens who depend on charcoal for cooking.

The ban, initially aimed at curbing deforestation through Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, targeted specific regions including northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja, and Teso. However, the government has faced significant challenges in balancing environmental conservation with the economic realities of a population where approximately 94% rely on biomass for cooking, with charcoal alone fueling 21% of households.

Prior to Parliament’s intervention, aggressive enforcement operations by the police had led to the impounding of charcoal and warnings of arrest and prosecution for those transporting it, even for personal use. This intensified crackdown had caused widespread panic among urban vendors and small business owners. Many vendors, like Ivan in Kamwokya, have taken out loans through initiatives like the Parish Development Model, and an abrupt ban threatens their ability to repay debts and sustain their livelihoods.

Small-scale food vendors, such as Abed and Scovia, expressed concerns that a forced shift to alternative fuels like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) would significantly increase their operational costs, potentially leading to higher food prices for consumers and business closures. They highlighted that current profit margins are too thin to absorb the expense of gas refills and new cooking equipment.

While the government, represented by Minister of State for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro, pointed to efforts like subsidized electricity tariffs and distributed LPG cylinders, Members of Parliament remain skeptical. They question the practicality and affordability of these measures for the majority of the population, emphasizing the need for sustainable, accessible solutions that consider deep-seated cooking habits and infrastructure limitations.

The executive branch is now expected to present a comprehensive report by October 21, 2026, outlining a strategy for clean energy transition that does not cripple vulnerable businesses and households. The temporary halt underscores the complex challenge of reconciling environmental protection with the daily survival needs of a significant portion of Uganda’s population.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)