Security teams in Uganda's northern region have intensified enforcement of a ban on charcoal burning and trade, impounding 275 bags of charcoal and arresting two suspects in joint operations in Amuru and Pakwach districts. The operations were conducted under Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued on May 19, 2023, which prohibits charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, and the Teso sub-region.
In Amuru District, the operation was conducted on October 6, 2026, covering Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-county, and Atiak Town Council. During the operation, security teams impounded a motor vehicle, registration number UAX 307D, carrying 26 bags of charcoal. The driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and the conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested. An additional 234 bags of charcoal were recovered in Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council, bringing the total seized in Amuru to 260 bags.
A separate operation was conducted on October 10, 2026, in Pakwach District, where joint security teams impounded 15 bags of charcoal along the Pakwach–Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-county. This operation resulted in the recovery of a total of 275 bags of charcoal and the arrest of two suspects. Authorities have warned charcoal dealers and transporters that the executive order remains in force and that enforcement will also target roadside vendors displaying charcoal for sale along highways.
Motorists traveling back to Kampala have been warned against transporting charcoal in their vehicles, even in small quantities. Authorities have cautioned that members of the public should not assume that carrying a small quantity of charcoal places them outside the scope of enforcement. The public has been urged to comply with the directive and report suspected illegal charcoal dealing to the nearest police station.
Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have stated that they will guide further arrests and possible prosecution of those found responsible. The enforcement of the ban on charcoal burning and trade is aimed at addressing environmental concerns and promoting sustainable practices in the region. The operations are part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal charcoal dealing and promote compliance with the executive order.
The ban on charcoal burning and trade was issued to address environmental degradation and promote sustainable land use practices in the region. Charcoal burning and trade have been linked to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The enforcement of the ban is expected to have a positive impact on the environment and promote sustainable livelihoods for communities in the region.
The authorities have urged the public to cooperate with the enforcement efforts and report any suspected cases of illegal charcoal dealing. The crackdown on charcoal burning and trade is part of a broader effort to promote environmental conservation and sustainable development in Uganda. The operations will continue, and authorities have warned that those found guilty of violating the executive order will face prosecution.
Key points
- Security teams have impounded 275 bags of charcoal and arrested two suspects in a crackdown on charcoal burning and trade in northern Uganda.
- The operations were conducted under Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which prohibits charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, and the Teso sub-region.
- Authorities have warned charcoal dealers and transporters that the executive order remains in force and that enforcement will also target roadside vendors displaying charcoal for sale along highways.
