State Minister for Energy and Mineral Development Phiona Nyamutoro has urged Members of Parliament to stop using charcoal and promote cleaner cooking alternatives, revealing that she abandoned it in her household after joining the ministry.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Nyamutoro called on legislators to lead by example in the campaign against deforestation.
“I used to use charcoal in my household, but not anymore. I implore colleagues to join me in this,” she said.
However, the minister acknowledged that many Ugandans cannot easily switch to cleaner fuels because LPG cylinders and their accessories remain expensive. She admitted that the government had not distributed enough free gas cylinders to help households make the transition.
Nyamutoro urged MPs to sensitise the public about alternatives such as gas, electric cookers, ethanol and biogas.
Her appeal comes amid growing concerns about deforestation as charcoal and firewood continue to serve as major cooking fuels for households across Uganda.
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It shouldn’t have been our Nyamutoro, somebody hold me😭😭 https://t.co/FIlckK6aOQ
— Carol Prim ❤️🤭 (@CarolPrim3) October 14, 2026
