By Weswa Ronnie
NORTHERN UGANDA
Inter-agency enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 (19th May 2023) which bans charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and Teso Sub-Region is underway, with police recovering 275 bags of charcoal in recent operations.
In Amuru District, an operation was conducted on Monday in Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council.
In Pabbo Town Council, officers impounded a motor vehicle registration number UAX 307D, which was carrying 26 bags of charcoal. The driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and the conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested.
A further 234 bags were impounded in Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council, bringing the total recovered in Amuru to 260 bags.
In Pakwach District, a joint security operation was conducted on 10th October 2026 along the Pakwach-Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-county, where officers impounded 15 bags of charcoal.
The two operations resulted in the recovery of 275 bags of charcoal and the arrest of two suspects.
Police have warned dealers and transporters that the Executive Order remains in force, noting that teams are also targeting roadside charcoal sales, including persons displaying bags of charcoal along highways.
“We warn those engaged in prohibited charcoal activities to stop,” police said.
Police further discouraged motorists returning to Kampala from carrying charcoal in their vehicles, including even a single bag on a pickup, saying members of the public should not assume that carrying a small quantity places them outside the scope of enforcement.
“We urge the public to comply with the directive and report suspected illegal charcoal dealing to the nearest police station. Investigations will guide further arrests and prosecution of those found responsible,” police added.
