Environmental activists in Gulu city have tasked the government with reducing the prices of alternative clean energy that can be used for cooking amidst the ever-increasing prices of charcoal.

This comes after President Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3 to ban commercial charcoal trade in the region and countrywide, which has doubled the prices of the charcoal to approximately UGX 90,000.

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George Ovola, an activist with Our Tress We Need Answers, revealed that tree cutting for the purpose of charcoal has continued despite the ban stating that there is no cheaper alternative for the much poorer mases.

“Northern Uganda has always relied on firewood and charcoal as its first option for cooking fuel. Poverty makes alternatives like gas or electricity financially inaccessible for many. The increase in charcoal prices has added an already vulnerable population into a critical situation, where the inability to afford cooking fuel could lead to widespread hunger and malnutrition,” Ovola revealed.

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Ovola appealed to the government to reduce the prices of alternative clean energy for the populace to reduce charcoal usage.

“The government promised to supply the masses with gas cylinders, but up to now we haven’t seen any. The electricity is expensive, as is the gas cylinder, and 90% of the population in Northern Uganda cannot afford that. This is why the tree cutting has continued because they don’t have an option,” he added.

In May 2023, President Museveni 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.