By Stevem Ariong
The State Minister for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, was once a darling of every young Ugandan. The level of love that Ugandans had for Phiona Nyamutoro was so high that even if she gazed in public, people would not feel bad. But right now, the issue of the charcoal ban has made Hon. Nyamutoro one of the most hated ministers, even among her own people in Nebbi, where she is the district woman Member of Parliament.
According to media reports, it is Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro who initiated the ban on charcoal in the country, and this is very dangerous. It has made people think that maybe someone could have bewitched her.
When you look at Uganda today, about 98% of its population depends on charcoal for cooking. Now, the pronouncement by Hon. Nyamutoro on the charcoal ban is directly affecting half of Ugandans.
I would like to advise Nyamutoro that whoever advised her to advocate for the charcoal ban has burnt her fingers. To me, and I am entitled to my opinion, there could be a company trying to use Hon. Nyamutoro to advocate for the charcoal ban without her knowing that the move would affect her political journey.
Yes, protecting the environment is good, but what mechanisms have you put in place to cater for the population depending on charcoal? Have you stopped people from cultivating inside Mabira Forest? Have you chased investors who are setting up factories in the wetlands in Kampala?
When you look at rural electricity, it is just as useless as rotten mangoes. This power works for two hours in two weeks.
To me, the issue of the charcoal ban, if not handled carefully, will cause unnecessary protests.
I would like to appeal to our badman General to intervene in this.
The writer is a senior veteran journalist.
