The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has criticised the government for failing to present a statement on the ban on charcoal use in Uganda, leaving thousands of traders uncertain about the future of their businesses.

Government had been expected to present the statement on Wednesday, October 21, but Parliament had not received the promised update, response or guidance, according to Ssenyonyi.

The Opposition Leader said more than 90,000 traders remain stranded with charcoal stocks worth approximately Shs 2.4 billion at border points as the government delays clarifying the status of the ban and outlining alternative energy sources.

Ssenyonyi reminded Parliament that the government had been given until Wednesday to present the statement following a parliamentary resolution calling for a temporary suspension of the ban pending further clarification.

In response, Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged the concerns, saying the Ministry of Energy was expected to appear before Parliament to explain the status of the ban and progress in implementing alternative energy sources.

However, Aceng attributed the delay to the need to harmonise the ministry’s position with the executive order and its author. She urged legislators to exercise patience as the government finalises its response.

The delay has heightened uncertainty among charcoal traders, who are awaiting clear government guidance on the implementation of the ban and the transition to alternative sources of energy.

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