Army Distributes Confiscated Charcoal to Nwoya Residents

The Fourth Infantry Division of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has distributed more than 800 bags of charcoal to residents in Nwoya District. The confiscated charcoal was handed over to the communities of Agung village in Purongo sub-county and Anaka Town Council.

This action follows the UPDF’s renewed enforcement of the ban on commercial charcoal production and trade in northern Uganda, including imports from South Sudan. Major General Felix Busizoori, commander of the Fourth Infantry Division, ordered the distribution to benefit local populations whose environments have suffered from extensive deforestation.

Gen. Busizoori had previously warned charcoal traders that any contraband seized would be given to local communities. He emphasized that the distribution was a direct response to the environmental damage caused by illegal dealers, urging residents to actively protect their natural resources and collaborate with security forces.

The distributed charcoal was part of over 2,000 bags seized from three trucks at checkpoints in Purongo and Anaka. These trucks were intercepted while heading towards Karuma.

Nwoya Resident District Commissioner Christopher Omara stated that seven individuals apprehended for transporting the charcoal are in custody at Nwoya Central Police Station. They face prosecution for violating a presidential order banning tree felling for charcoal production in the region.

Despite the ban, reports indicate that some dealers are attempting to circumvent it by producing charcoal in South Sudan and claiming it as imported, thus not subject to Ugandan regulations. The Uganda Charcoal Traders Association has also raised concerns, accusing some law enforcement officers of facilitating the illegal trade.

The intensified enforcement comes as deforestation for charcoal production continues to accelerate in northern Uganda, contributing to climate change concerns. Data indicates significant tree cover loss in districts like Yumbe.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/army-distributes-800-bags-of-impounded-charcoal-to-nwoya-residents