Stop it, northern dealers!

Lira | Brigadier General Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5 Infantry Division at Acolpii, has issued a warning to charcoal dealers in Northern Uganda.

He has informed them of the potential consequences if they do not stop selling charcoal.

The Presidential directive on transportation and charcoal burning in the area, which was put into effect in May 2023, has been violated, prompting this warning.

The directive allows the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to seize and auction vehicles transporting charcoal, with the proceeds going to a consolidated fund.

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It has been reported that some people are violating National Forestry Authority (NFA) regulations by bribing local officials to reclaim impounded vehicles.

There are also claims that some dealers are using fraudulent documents from South Sudan and the Uganda Revenue Authority to trade up to Kenya.

It is known that individuals from other regions have been renting land in Northern Uganda with the intention of felling trees and making charcoal.

Brigadier General Katungi is now urging local communities to pursue more environmentally friendly businesses.

Captain David Drichi, Lango’s Regional Internal Security Officer, stated that while the UPDF has focused on Karamojong cattle raiders, local authorities have struggled to control the charcoal trade due to bribery and corruption.

Major Enock Atamba, Commanding Officer of the 103 Battalion in Lira, stated that the UPDF had seized 21 vehicles in Lira alone.

Moses Ogom, a Lira-based businessman, had his vehicle seized on August 28, 2024.

Ogom claimed that no soldier solicited a bribe, that his vehicle remained unaltered, and that he regrets and promises not to transport charcoal again.