Tororo Charcoal Traders Fear Livelihood Losses Over Proposed Ban

Charcoal dealers and roadside food vendors in Tororo District have warned that proposed government restrictions on charcoal use could threaten their livelihoods unless affordable and accessible cooking alternatives are provided.

For decades, charcoal has been a major source of cooking energy for millions of Ugandans while supporting thousands of small-scale traders. The proposed restrictions have therefore raised concerns among people whose businesses depend on the fuel.

In Tororo, charcoal dealers say the trade enables them to support their families, pay school fees and meet other household expenses.

Rose Were, chairperson of Tororo Charcoal Dealers, said an abrupt ban would disproportionately affect women, particularly single mothers who depend on charcoal sales for their livelihoods.

“This is where we get money to educate our children,” Were said, warning that many women could be pushed out of business if the government proceeds without providing viable alternatives.

“Should government take up the move, many women will be out of business, especially single mothers, because this is what is keeping them going,” she added.

The concerns extend to roadside food vendors who rely on charcoal to roast chicken, meat and maize for their customers.

Rose Anyango, a street food vendor in Tororo, questioned whether gas could effectively replace charcoal in businesses that require continuous roasting over open heat.

“You can't tell me that for roasting chicken, maize and meat, one can use a gas cylinder. It can't happen. Where is this country going?” Anyango asked.

For other vendors, affordability remains the biggest concern, with fears that switching to gas could significantly reduce their profits.

Florance Nyasuna, a chicken roaster, said charcoal remained manageable for her business compared with the anticipated cost of using gas.

“You can spend like 2,000 shillings to buy charcoal. Can one spend the same shillings to pay for gas?” she asked.

Tororo District councillor Michael Choki also questioned whether the government had adequately considered the cost of refilling gas cylinders and the safety measures required for their use.

“Leave alone buying, how much is the cost of filling the gas and what safety measures are being put in place to use it?” Choki asked.

Local legislators have also raised concerns about the economic implications of the proposed restrictions, arguing that environmental conservation efforts should account for the circumstances of households and small businesses.

Richard Owere Machika, the Member of Parliament for West Budama North East, described the proposed restrictions as premature in areas where access to alternative energy sources remains limited.

“I would term this as being overzealous.

“You're not going to say you burn charcoal when there is no alternative. A rural constituency like where I represent, we do not have electricity,” Machika said.

Shyam Jay Tanna, the Tororo Municipality MP, similarly questioned whether residents of the Bukedi sub-region could afford to switch to alternative cooking energy.

Tanna cited what he described as a significant income gap between Bukedi and the national average, arguing that the region's economic circumstances should inform the government's approach.

“Bukedi has a GDP of 135, yet the national average is about 1,400. So, with 135 dollars, will the population here be able to afford an alternative energy source?” he asked.

The figures cited by Tanna could not be independently verified from the information provided and require clarification on whether they refer to GDP per capita, household income or another economic measure.

However, some leaders believe locally available resources could help reduce dependence on charcoal while addressing environmental concerns.

Nicholas Owino, the Tororo County North MP, proposed converting waste into biogas as one possible alternative.

“If we can get these piles of garbage waste and make biogas, it can also produce gas. This will help us get a clean environment and also have another alternative to charcoal,” Owino said.

The debate highlights the challenge facing policymakers as Uganda seeks to promote cleaner cooking energy and protect the environment without worsening the economic difficulties of households and small businesses.

For charcoal dealers and food vendors in Tororo, the central concern is whether alternatives will be affordable, accessible and practical for their daily activities.

They are calling on the government to ensure viable alternatives are within reach of ordinary Ugandans before implementing restrictions that could affect their livelihoods.