Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo has defended his wife, Minister Phiona Nyamutoro, amid criticism over the government’s proposed ban on charcoal use in northern Uganda, arguing that the process of producing and using charcoal is difficult and that gas offers a better alternative.
Kenzo said charcoal use comes with several challenges, from cutting down trees and burning wood to produce charcoal to transporting and purchasing the finished product.
According to the singer, these difficulties make charcoal an undesirable option, especially if the government can provide more convenient alternatives for households.
“No one wishes to use charcoal. From the cutting of trees, they are tiring to cut, burning the charcoal isn’t easy either, buying sacks and moving them, all this isn’t easy and they make you dirty, so if we get a better option, it’d be better,” Kenzo said.
The musician further argued that the government should prioritise promoting the use of gas to reduce reliance on charcoal, which he said can also affect people’s lungs.
Kenzo questioned why advocating for alternative energy sources should attract criticism, maintaining that introducing new approaches is part of the process of developing the country.
“We talk about all this and when we advocate for a better solution, is that something bad? All countries aren’t using charcoal. If we want to take our country to the next level, there are conversations we have to start even if some people don’t want to hear them,” he added.
While Kenzo is advocating for a shift to gas, the success of such a transition would depend on the availability and affordability of alternative cooking fuels for affected communities.