Uganda: Speaker Directs Suspension of Charcoal Ban, Demands Government Gas Distribution Statistics

 

         By Birungi Teddy @AfricaPamoja-UG

The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, has directed the suspension of the charcoal ban in Uganda amid concerns over its implementation and questions about the accessibility of government-distributed gas cylinders to ordinary citizens.

The directive comes as Parliament seeks clarification on the enforcement of the charcoal restrictions and the government's progress in distributing gas cylinders as an alternative source of household energy.

During the parliamentary proceedings, Speaker Oboth expressed concern about the distribution programme, saying he was unaware of anyone in his West Budama Central constituency who had benefited from the government's gas cylinder distribution initiative.

“I think I'm the only one with a gas cylinder, and because I am a Speaker,” he reportedly remarked, raising questions about whether the programme is reaching ordinary households as intended.

The Speaker subsequently directed the Ministry of Energy to present statistics on the distribution of gas cylinders to Parliament on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, to provide a clearer picture of the programme's implementation.

The figures are expected to help lawmakers assess the programme's reach and determine whether households are receiving practical alternatives to charcoal before restrictions on its use are enforced.

Kilak South MP Questions Implementation of Charcoal Directive

Meanwhile, Kilak South County Member of Parliament, Hon. Gilbert Olanya, has challenged officials enforcing the charcoal directive, arguing that its implementation should reflect the intentions and provisions of the President's executive order.

Olanya said the directive was intended to address large-scale tree cutting, particularly in northern Uganda, while allowing limited tree cutting for household needs.

He called on the government to clarify the scope of the executive order, arguing that enforcement officials could be interpreting the directive differently from what was intended.

“Those ones who are implementing, I think they don't know their role. You know, the implementers are taking it in another way around,” Olanya said.

His remarks highlight concerns about the interpretation and enforcement of the charcoal restrictions, particularly among communities that continue to depend on charcoal for cooking and other domestic needs.

Balancing Environmental Protection and Household Energy Needs

The debate reflects the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with the daily energy needs of Ugandan households.

Charcoal remains an important cooking fuel for many families, particularly those that cannot easily afford alternative energy sources. Restrictions on its production, transportation or use therefore have implications for household expenditure, livelihoods and access to cooking fuel.

At the same time, concerns about deforestation and environmental degradation have increased calls for stronger measures to protect forests and promote sustainable energy alternatives.

The government's gas cylinder distribution programme is consequently under scrutiny, with Parliament seeking evidence that the initiative is reaching the communities expected to transition away from charcoal.

What Happens Next?

The Ministry of Energy's presentation of distribution statistics will be important in determining the extent to which the government has delivered on its alternative energy programme.

Parliament's scrutiny may also help clarify how the charcoal directive should be implemented and whether additional guidance is needed to prevent inconsistent enforcement.

For affected communities, the central question remains whether restrictions on charcoal will be accompanied by affordable, accessible and reliable alternatives.

As the debate continues, the government faces the task of protecting the environment while ensuring that ordinary citizens are not left without practical options for meeting their basic household energy needs.

AfricaPamoja-UG will continue following developments on the charcoal directive, parliamentary oversight and the government's household energy transition programme.