Speaker Suspends Enforcement of Charcoal Ban Until October 21

[Da Dona]

VIDEO:​

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has directed the suspension of enforcement of the charcoal ban until October 21, 2026, giving the government time to present a comprehensive report on the ban and the availability of alternative cooking fuels.

The decision followed concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned the enforcement of the restrictions when many Ugandans cannot afford alternatives such as gas and electricity for cooking.

During the parliamentary debate, MPs also questioned the government's readiness to implement the ban, citing gaps in the distribution of free gas cylinders and the continued reliance on charcoal by households across the country.

Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro acknowledged that the distribution of free gas cylinders had not reached enough people, despite government efforts to promote clean cooking.

Other legislators argued that the restrictions needed clarification, particularly regarding the distinction between large-scale tree cutting for charcoal production and domestic use.

Oboth also questioned the preparedness for enforcement, noting that even Parliament relies heavily on charcoal and that he was unaware of any beneficiaries of the government's gas cylinder distribution programme in his constituency.

The government is expected to return to Parliament on October 21 with details on the implementation of the ban and the availability and distribution of alternative cooking fuels before enforcement resumes.

Video by salt TV​

 

[Bemendazole]

For a country where to get a single meal is still a lucky venture, banning of charcoal for cooking is impractical.

 

[Da Dona]

For a country where to get a single meal is still a lucky venture, banning of charcoal for cooking is impractical.

They have not provided any alternatives

 

[Da Dona]

VIDEO:​

View attachment 3690742

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has directed the suspension of enforcement of the charcoal ban until October 21, 2026, giving the government time to present a comprehensive report on the ban and the availability of alternative cooking fuels.

The decision followed concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who questioned the enforcement of the restrictions when many Ugandans cannot afford alternatives such as gas and electricity for cooking.

During the parliamentary debate, MPs also questioned the government's readiness to implement the ban, citing gaps in the distribution of free gas cylinders and the continued reliance on charcoal by households across the country.

Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro acknowledged that the distribution of free gas cylinders had not reached enough people, despite government efforts to promote clean cooking.

Other legislators argued that the restrictions needed clarification, particularly regarding the distinction between large-scale tree cutting for charcoal production and domestic use.

Oboth also questioned the preparedness for enforcement, noting that even Parliament relies heavily on charcoal and that he was unaware of any beneficiaries of the government's gas cylinder distribution programme in his constituency.

The government is expected to return to Parliament on October 21 with details on the implementation of the ban and the availability and distribution of alternative cooking fuels before enforcement resumes.

Video by salt TV​

Update:
“I Think I’m the Only One with a Gas Cylinder in My Constituency” — Speaker Oboth
Video:

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has questioned the government’s readiness to enforce the charcoal ban, saying he believes he is the only person in his constituency with a gas cylinder.

Oboth made the remarks while suspending enforcement of the ban until October 21, 2026, to give the government time to present a comprehensive report on its implementation and the availability of affordable alternative cooking fuels.

The suspension followed concerns from MPs that many Ugandans still depend on charcoal and cannot afford alternatives such as gas, with the government acknowledging gaps in the distribution of free gas cylinders.