Igara West MP Amanya Cohen Kyampene says a proposed national charcoal ban could hurt low-income households and small food businesses, urging government to provide affordable cooking alternatives before imposing restrictions.
Igara West MP Cohen Amanya Kyampene has criticised the proposed national charcoal ban, describing legislators who support the measure as “enemies of the people” unless affordable alternatives are made available to households and businesses that depend on charcoal.
Speaking during a weekend political talk show on BFM Radio in Bushenyi District, Kyampene argued that a blanket ban would overlook the economic realities of millions of Ugandans who rely on charcoal for cooking and earning a living.
The legislator questioned how low-income households would afford alternative cooking fuels, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which he said remained expensive for many families.
“How will ordinary Ugandans boil beans on a gas cylinder, given the long hours they require to be ready?” Kyampene asked.
He argued that the cost of LPG, combined with the time and energy required to prepare traditional meals, could make the transition difficult for households already struggling with the cost of living.
Kyampene said he had urged the responsible minister to consider removing taxes on gas or reducing them to make the fuel more affordable.
“I told the minister to ensure when they resort to gas usage, they should make it tax free or reduce tax on gas,” he said.
The MP also raised concerns about the possible effects of changing cooking habits on nutrition, arguing that households might increasingly turn to foods that require less cooking time.
“But also, out of government decision, we could see non communicable diseases increase because only soft foods like chips that take five minutes to be ready will be the option which put people's health at risk,” Kyampene said.
He further warned that the proposed ban could disrupt informal businesses, particularly roadside food vendors and small-scale entrepreneurs who use charcoal to prepare food for travellers.
Kyampene cited commercial roadside centres including Lukaya, Biharwe, Namawojjolo, Sanga and Akageeti, where vendors roast meat, chicken and plantains for motorists and other travellers.
He said forcing these businesses to switch to gas without financial support could increase operating costs and threaten the livelihoods of women and young people who depend on roadside food sales.
“How will those in the roasting food business in places like Lukaya, Biharwe, Namawojjolo, Sanga, and Akageeti manage using gas to carry on with their businesses?” he asked.
Kyampene acknowledged concerns about deforestation and the environmental consequences of charcoal production but argued that restrictions should be accompanied by practical measures to help households and businesses transition to alternative energy sources.
He urged the government to assess the economic and social implications of the proposed ban before implementing it, saying affordable alternatives should be available to those who would be affected.
“Government needs to study the feasibility of this ban and provide affordable alternatives to the people first,” he said.
Kyampene called on fellow legislators to consider the effects of the proposed restrictions on household budgets, food preparation and informal employment before supporting the measure.
His criticism highlights the challenge facing policymakers seeking to address environmental degradation associated with charcoal production while ensuring that cleaner cooking options remain accessible to low-income households and small businesses.