Charcoal ban: Adhere to just energy transition principles

In May 2023, the President issued Executive Order No. 3 banning large-scale commercial charcoal production and trade in northern Uganda. This directive aimed to curb the rampant deforestation that has severely affected the region and exacerbated the effects of climate change. 

However, as implementation of the order commenced, enforcers have expanded its scope to include even small-scale charcoal production for domestic use. The extension of the ban’s scope has caused charcoal prices to skyrocket, with a single bag in Gulu now costing Shs90,000—an unaffordable sum for a region…