A police move to enforce a ban on commercial charcoal production and trade in northern Uganda, West Nile and the Teso sub-region has sparked concerns over how affected communities will meet their daily cooking needs.

The ban is expected to affect thousands of households that depend on charcoal and firewood for cooking, as well as people whose livelihoods depend on the charcoal trade.

Environmentalists have welcomed the move, arguing that restricting charcoal production could help protect forests and reduce environmental destruction.

However, some members of the public have questioned the timing of the enforcement, saying many households cannot afford alternative sources of energy.

Cooking gas, electricity, biogas and eco-friendly stoves are among the alternatives being promoted to reduce dependence on charcoal and firewood.

Despite their environmental benefits, critics say the cost of acquiring and using these alternatives remains too high for many low-income families.

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The enforcement could therefore create additional pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living, particularly in communities where charcoal remains the most accessible cooking fuel. As the crackdown takes shape, calls are growing for affordable and accessible cooking alternatives to be made available so that environmental protection does not leave vulnerable families struggling to prepare their daily meals.