Brig Gen Keith Katungi, the Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division, has issued a stern warning to charcoal dealers in Northern Uganda, stating that there will be dire consequences for those who continue to operate.
This caution follows breaches of the Presidential directive on charcoal burning and transportation issued in May 2023.
He said that the directive empowers the UPDF to seize vehicles transporting charcoal and auction them, with the proceeds funnelled into a consolidated fund.
It has come to light that certain individuals are taking advantage of the NFA (National Forestry Authority) law, bribing local officials to have impounded vehicles released, while others are crafting counterfeit documents from South Sudan and the Uganda Revenue Authority, falsely asserting that the charcoal is en route to Kenya.
Moreover, it has been reported that individuals from other regions have rented land in Northern Uganda specifically for the purpose of charcoal production.
Brig Gen Katungi urged local communities to pursue alternative, environmentally friendly business ventures.
Capt David Drichi, Regional Internal Security Officer for Lango, observed that while the UPDF has been preoccupied with Karamojong cattle raiders, local authorities have struggled to effectively curb the charcoal trade due to issues of bribery and corruption.
Moses Ogom, a businessman from Lira, had his vehicle confiscated on 28th August 2024. He reported that no soldier demanded a bribe, and his vehicle remained untouched. He expressed his desire for leniency and assured that he would refrain from transporting charcoal in the future.
