Igara West MP Cohen Amanya Kyampene has opposed a proposed national charcoal ban, calling lawmakers who back it 'enemies of the people' if no affordable cooking fuel alternatives are made available first. Speaking on a radio programme in Bushenyi District, Kyampene said a blanket ban would ignore the economic realities of millions of Ugandans who depend on charcoal for cooking and income. He questioned how low-income households could afford liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which he described as expensive for many families, and raised concerns about how people would prepare traditional meals using gas.
Kyampene said he had urged the responsible minister to remove or reduce taxes on gas to make it more accessible. He warned that the ban could disrupt informal businesses, particularly roadside food vendors in commercial centres including Lukaya, Biharwe, Namawojjolo, Sanga and Akageeti, who use charcoal to roast meat, chicken and plantains for travellers. Switching to gas without financial support could increase operating costs and threaten livelihoods of women and young people dependent on roadside food sales, he argued.
The MP also raised health concerns, suggesting that households might turn to foods requiring less cooking time, such as chips, which could increase non-communicable diseases. While acknowledging environmental concerns about deforestation linked to charcoal production, Kyampene urged the government to assess the economic and social implications of the ban and provide affordable alternatives before implementation. He called on fellow legislators to consider the effects on household budgets, food preparation and informal employment before supporting the measure.