The State Minister for Northern Uganda, Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, has directed the National Forest Authority (NFA) Aswa River Ranch Branch to distribute over 5,000 sacks of impounded illegal charcoal to schools and institutions of learning instead of auctioning them. 

Kwiyucwiny gave the order on Saturday, October 7, while discussing the progress in implementing and executing the Presidential Executive Order issued in June 2022, which was to be implemented in September 2023, but was extended to October 20, 2023. 

The minister explained that there is no need for NFA to auction the sacks of charcoal because it would be in conflict with the presidential order and stated that she is going to write to the water and environment state minister to ensure that the distribution of the charcoal to institutions is implemented. 

Kwiyucwiny said that there are complaints already that NFA is already selling the sacks by the bidder.  

She also revealed that according to their recent investigations, they found that Amuru, Adjumani (Zoka forest), Nwoya, Gulu and Pader are the districts with the highest activity of illegal charcoal business. 

Over 5000 sacks impounded 

From June to September, this year, the NFA Aswa River Ranch branch impounded at least 5,000 sacks of charcoal in the entire Acholi sub-region 

John Gilbo, the NFA range manager for the Aswa River Range, said the impoundment has been affected since President Museveni issued the order on June 26, 2023, as a measure to curtail the rate of deforestation for the purpose of commercial charcoal business. 

NFA wanted to give the charcoal to the education institutions in Gulu City and other districts, but the move was blocked by the Gulu Magistrate’s Court. 

Gilbo however said that they were still waiting for some clarifications from the NFA head offices in Kampala before they could do anything with the impounded charcoal. 

Local leaders react 

Nabinson Nok Kidega, the Agago Resident District Commissioner (RDC) explained that for NFA to auction the charcoal, means the presidential order is being sidestepped. 

Kidega remarked that making money to put into the local government’s fund is illegal because the executive order does not call for a public auction for local government revenue. 

He added that he was in favour of NFA distributing the charcoal to schools, adding that he stopped Agago District Local Government from auctioning over 400 sacks. 

Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Bardege-Layibi Division MP criticised Police enforcers for not doing enough to combat the vice. 

Ojara said Police collaborate with illegal charcoal dealers and allow them cheap after paying bribes. 

David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa region Police spokesperson, said they are working hard to combat all forms of illegal charcoal transportation, but it is unfortunate that some people (including the Police enforcers) still connive with the perpetrators. 

Mudong, however, called for combined deforestation from all stakeholders including local leaders, to avert the vice of illegal commercial charcoal businesses instead of criticising enforcers only. 

Changing patterns 

According to locals in Gulu District, the illegal charcoal business is still flourishing like never before because the perpetrators have changed the style of transportation. 

A resident of Ajulu Trading Centre who spoke to New Vision on condition of anonymity said charcoal dealers now use boda bodas to transport the sacks of charcoal across Gulu District and Gulu City to Karuma Town, where it is then loaded onto trucks or buses with ease.