By Flavia Ajok
Charcoal vendors in Masindi Municipality have asked the government to suspend the proposed nationwide charcoal ban, saying the business is their main source of income and supports their families.
The vendors made the appeal on Thursday afternoon while speaking at the charcoal market in Central Division, Masindi Municipality, following the government’s proposal to ban charcoal use across the country.
Beatrice Katwesige, a charcoal vendor, says the business has enabled them to pay school fees for their children. She adds that some vendors acquired Emyooga funds which they are still required to repay, warning that the ban would leave them struggling to service their loans.
Katwesige has asked the government to allow them to continue operating, saying they lack sufficient capital to start alternative businesses at a short notice.
Harriet Mbabazi, another vendor, says many charcoal sellers have outstanding loans and school fees to pay, urging the government to provide alternative sources of livelihood before implementing the ban.
Rose Akugizibwe, a resident of Kihande 1 Cell, says charcoal selling requires relatively little starting capital and enables vendors to save some money, asking the government to reconsider the proposed ban.
Mary Kyomuhendo, a charcoal vendor and resident of Nyangahya, says the business depends largely on charcoal sales, adding that they obtain charcoal from old trees while allowing them to regenerate.
Kyomuhendo also argues that gas cylinders are expensive and that some households cannot easily afford alternative cooking methods. Market, calling on authorities to intervene.
Meanwhile, Rashid Mukasa, the chairperson of charcoal vendors, says the proposed restrictions threaten their livelihoods, insisting that some of the charcoal comes from planted forests.
The ban stems from President Museveni’s executive order No. 3 issued on May 19, 2023 which prohibited commercial charcoal burning and transportation across Northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja and Teso to combat deforestation and climate change.
However, Speaker Jacob Markson Oboth has suspended the enforcement of the directive until Wednesday next week for consultation.
