Parliament suspends charcoal ban enforcement until October 21

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth has directed the government to suspend enforcement of the charcoal ban until October 21, 2026, pending a comprehensive report on alternative cooking fuels and the distribution of gas cylinders.

The directive followed concerns raised by MPs over the affordability of alternative energy sources, with Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi questioning the government’s preparedness to enforce the ban.

State Minister for Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro admitted that the government had not distributed enough free cooking-gas cylinders, citing the cost of cylinders and accessories as a major challenge.

Oboth also directed the Energy Ministry to present statistics on gas distribution, while Ssenyonyi revealed that Parliament’s canteen still uses charcoal.

During the sitting, MPs also raised concerns over alleged student scams and expulsions, the need for a forensic audit of the Uganda National Students Association (UNSA), and reports of Ugandans allegedly lured into Russia and forced into military service.

Parliament further discussed wildlife revenue sharing, trophy hunting and five Treasury Memoranda on audit reports.

Meanwhile, Oboth announced that Parliament will hold an interfaith thanksgiving service on October 23, 2026.