Environment
MPs advocate for reduced import tax on cooking gas to fight deforestation
Hon. Geoffrey Macho (Ind., Busia Municipality) stressed that the expensive nature of gas, compared to neighboring Kenya, where a 10-kilogram Stabex gas cylinder costs Shs30,000, is hindering compliance with the government’s directives on tree cutting and charcoal burning. Macho urged the government to explore incentives, proposing the provision of affordable gas to economically disadvantaged communities as a means of promoting environmental conservation.
Speaker Among guided Parliament to use the upcoming budgeting season to consider incentives that would make gas more affordable. She stressed the importance of reducing the cost of gas in the new budget, emphasizing the need for incentives to encourage its use.
She further encouraged legislators to actively participate in environmental conservation by engaging in tree-planting initiatives. She emphasized the significance of role modeling to inspire citizens to follow suit.
Legislators also raised concerns about the high costs of electricity as an alternative cooking energy source. Hon. Solomon Silwany (NRM, Bukooli Central County) called on the government to deliberately reduce electricity prices, considering the extensive electrification efforts already undertaken.
Moses Walyomu, Kagoma County MP, highlighted the exorbitant connection fees, questioning the feasibility of charging Shs700,000 when some individuals struggle to earn that amount annually.In response, the Speaker urged the Ministry of Energy and Minerals Development to provide updates on the rural electrification program, expressing concern that many communities remain unconnected despite the country’s substantial electricity generation. She called for information on when the ministry plans to address these connectivity gaps and underscored the importance of efficient electricity distribution.
