Amid charcoal ban, Acholi residents call for affordable electricity

15 October 2026, 5:06 pm

By Agness Agilo

Residents in the Acholi sub-region have welcomed the enforcement of the presidential directive banning commercial charcoal trade but are calling for affordable alternatives to support its implementation and protect livelihoods.

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), through its Head of Consumer Affairs, Julius Wandera, urged Ugandans with electricity connections to embrace electric cooking as a cleaner and potentially cheaper alternative to charcoal.

The call follows the enforcement of Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which bans commercial charcoal trade.

In Acholi, residents say they support the directive because of its potential to protect the environment, but they want stronger enforcement and affordable energy alternatives.

Christopher Oruka, a resident of Owoo Sub-county in Gulu District, said the directive was a positive step, but enforcement at the grassroots remained weak. He alleged that some suspects arrested over charcoal trade were later released.

Oruka called for reduced electricity tariffs and lower taxes on gas cylinders to make alternative energy sources more affordable for ordinary households.

Other residents say charcoal has long been a source of livelihood for many households, while access to reliable and affordable electricity remains a challenge.

Stella, a resident of Layibi who was identified by one name, said electricity costs remain too high for many households to embrace electric cooking.

John Okello, a resident of Nwoya District, cited unreliable electricity supply as another obstacle to adopting alternative cooking methods.

Residents say stronger enforcement, affordable electricity and reliable power supply are essential to ensure the directive achieves its environmental goals without worsening household hardships or disrupting livelihoods.

ERA maintains that adopting electric cooking can help conserve the environment and potentially reduce household cooking costs in the long run.