Charcoal dealer remanded over alleged clearing of Gulu community forest
The prosecution further alleges that Naluyimba cut down six shea trees, which it described as endangered and protected species, and converted them into charcoal for commercial purposes.
Naluyimba was arrested on August 31 and later released on police bond before appearing in court on September 22. (Credit: Christopher Nyeko)
GULU - Gulu chief magistrate Augustine Alule Koma has remanded a 28-year-old businesswoman to Gulu Main Prison for one week over allegations that she illegally cleared a community forest and cut protected shea trees without authorisation.
Oliver Naluyimba, a resident of Okumcan village, Ogwari parish, Omel sub-county in Gulu district, was remanded on September 22, 2026, after appearing before court for mention of her case.
She is accused of unlawfully clearing approximately two acres of community forest woodland at Okumcan village on August 31, 2026, without authorisation from the district forest officer.
The prosecution further alleges that Naluyimba cut down six shea trees, which it described as endangered and protected species, and converted them into charcoal for commercial purposes.
Naluyimba was arrested on August 31 and later released on police bond before appearing in court on September 22.
During the proceedings, Naluyimba told the court that she did not understand English. A prison warder therefore translated the charges into Luganda, a language she understands, after which she pleaded guilty.
Her legal team asked the court to consider her a first-time offender with no known criminal record. The lawyers also told the court that she was remorseful and had pledged not to repeat the offence, asking the magistrate to consider a non-custodial sentence.
Koma ordered Naluyimba to remain on remand until September 29, 2026, when she will return to court for sentencing.
Jennet Acan, the Gulu district deputy speaker and female councillor representing Omel subcounty, welcomed the decision to remand Naluyimba, saying it could serve as a warning to others involved in illegal activities against the environment.
However, environmental activist Christopher Oruka questioned the accuracy of a report by the Gulu district forest officer, particularly its assessment that only two acres of community woodland had been cleared and six shea trees cut.
Oruka said environmental activists would investigate the circumstances surrounding the forest officer’s report, alleging that the officer may have been compromised. The allegation has not been independently established.
Oruka also welcomed the court’s decision to remand Naluyimba.
He alleged that since a 2023 presidential executive order banning commercial charcoal activities, few perpetrators had been remanded or convicted because of corruption and alleged collusion.
Naluyimba is expected to return to Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 29, 2026, for sentencing.