Army warns charcoal dealers against defying presidential directive

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership in the Lango and parts of the Acholi sub-regions has sternly warned charcoal dealers against defying President Yoweri Museveni’s directive banning commercial charcoal trade in northern Uganda.

Army 5th Division commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi delivered the warning during a meeting with community leaders, truck owners, and transporters on January 4, 2025, at the 103 Infantry Battalion headquarters in Pader district.

During the meeting, Maj. Gen. Katungi handed over 10 impounded vehicles that had been used in illegal charcoal trade back to their owners as a warning and lesson. He cautioned local leaders, transporters and truck owners against engaging in the trade, stressing the risks of ignoring the Presidential Executive Order.

UPDF leadership in the Lango and parts of the Acholi sub-regions has sternly warned charcoal dealers against defying President Yoweri Museveni’s directive banning commercial charcoal trade. (Courtesy photo)

Katungi urged communities to transition to alternative energy sources, particularly gas, which he highlighted as both sustainable and cost-effective. He further warned bodaboda riders against using alternative routes to smuggle charcoal into urban areas like Lira city, stating that those caught would face legal action.

Lira Resident City Commissioner Lawrence Egole, echoed the General’s sentiments, emphasising the consequences of non-compliance.

“I believe we are all aware of the executive orders. Let this be a lesson that one day, these impounded trucks will be auctioned to send a strong message,” he said.

Regional Police commander Allan Tugiizre reinforced the warning, saying: “Even one bag of charcoal found will result in the vehicle being impounded, as per the directive”.

Gracious Aguti of the National Forestry Authority (East Lango) assured attendees of continued joint operations to intercept and impound vehicles transporting charcoal illegally.

The meeting was attended by senior UPDF officers and truck owners, with discussions centred on enforcing Executive Order No. 3, issued by President Museveni to curb environmental degradation in the region.

The directive

President Museveni’s directive, issued under Article 99 (2) of the 1995 Constitution, outlines measures to halt deforestation caused by widespread charcoal production. The order bans the cutting of trees for commercial charcoal trade and directs the promotion of alternative energy sources, such as gas.

The directive, motivated by the alarming destruction of forest cover, has led to the launch of joint enforcement operations involving the UPDF and local government officials. These operations aim to uphold environmental laws and prevent illegal charcoal transportation into urban centres like Lira City.

Additionally, the order includes measures to address other forms of environmental degradation, such as expelling nomadic Balaalo herdsmen, who have been identified as contributors to the crisis.

President Museveni’s administration has called for collective efforts to restore Northern Uganda’s environment, warning against any attempts to undermine these initiatives.

The UPDF and law enforcement agencies remain steadfast in their resolve to ensure compliance, sending a clear message: environmental preservation is non-negotiable.