Amuru GISOs warned against aiding illegal charcoal business

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The Amuru district security team has warned a section of Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) who are accused of aiding the illegal charcoal business in the district.

They are the GISOs of Lamogi and Atiak sub-counties.

Amuru deputy Resident District Commissioner Proscovia Acham says their intelligence has established that the duo is erecting illegal roadblocks on the exit routes of their respective sub-counties and charging sh20,000 for each truck passing through.

According to intelligence, any dealer who refuses to obey their orders is handed over to UPDF personnel.

Acham promised to end this vice that she described it as sabotage of the Executive Order 03 of 2023, issued against commercial charcoal business.



On Tuesday 20, Radio Rupiny visited Okidi parish in Attiak sub-county and discovered that the UPDF had set up a roadblock at Okidi trading centre, where the community accused the soldiers and other security personnel of extortion.

The community said the charcoal production is still booming in the bush, where security is aware, but instead, they are faulted for offering protection to the charcoal producers.

Maj. Peter Mugisa, the 4th Division Public Information Officer said the UPDF will discipline any of its personnel who is discovered to have accepted bribes from charcoal traders or other members of the community.

Similarly, Lt. Col. Kenneth, the brigade commander of the 501 brigades, revealed that they are strict with anyone who is involved in environmental degradation.

Both GISOs, however, denied any wrongdoing.