By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
President Yoweri Kaguat Museveni has in an Executive Order No 3 of 2023 banned charcoal burning and trade in the 28 districts of Teso, Northern Uganda and West Nile.
The Executive Order signed on 19th May, 2023, according to President Museveni is in response to irresponsible actions of the charcoal dealers whom he calls ‘bankrupt’ who are degrading the environment in the North.
“The Executive Orders issued under the Powers given to the President by Article 99 (2) 0f the 1995 Constitution will cover the Anti cattle rustling efforts in North and North Eastern Uganda, the damage caused by the charcoal business, damage caused by indisciplined Normads known as Balaalo,” Museveni says.
“I have now decided to ban all charcoal burning and trade in Northern and North East Uganda,” Museveni directs.
The President says the current charcoal burners and traders in these areas are so bankrupt that they even cut the famous Shea butter trees known as Moo Yaa in Acholi.
“As a consequence, the locals now hold the security people in great contempt,” President Museveni says before adding that, “In order to save the environment and also the reputation of the NRM, I therefore hereby ban the cutting of trees for charcoal burning.”
It also follows a public plea by the Chief Justice of Uganda, Hon. Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo who on Saturday, 13th May, 2023 asked President Museveni to intervene and save the environment in Northern Uganda.
“There’s a syndicate to desertify Northern Uganda….I have not heard anybody who’s destroying our environment being charged. If you steal from a thief are you a thief?” Does a thief have a claim of right over a property which you have stolen from him?” Owiny-Dollo said in reference to police claims that Odonga Otto stole from the charcoal traders.
“I appeal to your Excellency that please save our environment, it is shameful that you are leaving this to Odonga Otto, this is your battle,” Owiny-Dollo known for his boldness said.
The Executive Order now bans all activities of charcoal burning in Karamoja, Teso, Lango, Acholi and West Nile.
This means that there will be no charcoal burning in 28 districts including; Adjumani, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Moyo, Nebbi, Yumbe, Zombo and Obongi District in West Nile.
Amuria, Bukedea, Kaberamaido, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Serere and Soroti District in Teso sub region.
| Agago, Alebtong, Amolatar, Amuru, Apac, Dokolo, Gulu, Kitgum, Kole, Lamwo, Lira, Mracha and Nwoya in Northern Uganda. |
Meanwhile, Karamoja region consists of seven districts in northeastern Uganda (Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto, Napak, Amudat and Nakapiripirit).
