CHARCOAL TRADE UNDER FIRE AS POLICE SPOKESPERSON WARNS BOTH DEALERS AND DOMESTIC USERS

The Uganda Police Force (UPF), working alongside the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and environmental agencies, has intensified enforcement of restrictions on charcoal burning and trade, warning that even individuals transporting charcoal for domestic use in affected regions risk arrest.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said enforcement of President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 remains in force in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and the Teso sub-region.

The directive targets charcoal burning and trade in the designated areas as the government seeks to curb deforestation and protect the environment from degradation associated with unsustainable charcoal production.

Authorities have warned charcoal dealers, transporters and members of the public against violating the restrictions, noting that claims of transporting charcoal for personal consumption do not automatically exempt individuals from enforcement.

The intensified operations have already resulted in the seizure of charcoal consignments and arrests of suspected offenders in some areas. In Koboko District, police recently impounded more than 40 sacks of charcoal and three motorcycles during an operation targeting suspected illegal charcoal trading.

The crackdown comes amid broader government efforts to promote cleaner cooking alternatives and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal.

However, the restrictions should not be interpreted as a new blanket nationwide ban on every household using charcoal. The executive order specifically targets charcoal burning and trade in the designated regions, while other applicable laws and regulations govern activities elsewhere in the country.

Police have urged the public and charcoal traders to familiarise themselves with the restrictions as enforcement operations continue.