News
Security personnel in Nwoya arrest four, impound over 900 bags of charcoal
At the time of filing this news report (Thursday, August 13) the impounded truck which initially carried between 300 to 450 bags of charcoal remained parked at Nwoya Central Police Station (CPS).
The four suspects arrested on August 12 and 13. (Photos by Dennis Ojwee)
By: Dennis Ojwee, Journalist @New Vision
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A two-day joint operation by the Uganda People's Defense Force and the Uganda Police has netted four people and impounded three trucks ferrying over 900 bags of charcoal.
The seizure and subsequent arrests took place at two separate security checkpoints at Agung and Nwoya Town Council.
The Commanding Officer of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division in Gulu City, Maj. Felix Busizoori, led the joint Security team in the operation, supported by a UPDF squad under Aswa Regional Police Commander (RPC), SSP Fred Ahimbisibwe.
The four suspects arrested on August 12 and 13 were identified as 38-year-old Noriat Kanynyozi, a Ugandan businesswoman from Kajansi in Wakiso district, suspected to be the owner of the charcoal consignment on the three impounded trucks.
Security named two truck drivers and a Turn-man as: Yasin Sserunkuma from Keti-Falao zone in Kampala and his turn-man, Richard Mubiru, of Nateete Central ‘A’ in Kampala.
Police revealed that Agung security checkpoint trucks (all ISUZU Fuso) bear registration numbers: UAY 821 A, UBM 450 T and UBN 273 K.
The drivers were identified as Francis Kinoba, aged 38 and resident of Kasubi Central zone in Kampala. On the run is another unnamed driver who reportedly fled the scene.
Maj. Gen. Busizoori said the three arrested suspects' actions were contrary to the existing Executive Order Number Three (03) issued by the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Museveni, banning commercial charcoal burning and trade in Northern and Northeastern Uganda (including Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, Teso, and West Nile.
Security named two truck drivers and a Turn-man as: Yasin Sserunkuma from Keti-Falao zone in Kampala and his turn-man, Richard Mubiru, of Nateete Central ‘A’ in Kampala.
Police revealed that Agung security checkpoint trucks (all ISUZU Fuso) bear registration numbers: UAY 821 A, UBM 450 T and UBN 273 K.
The drivers were identified as Francis Kinoba, aged 38 and resident of Kasubi Central zone in Kampala. On the run is another unnamed driver who reportedly fled the scene.
Maj. Gen. Busizoori said the three arrested suspects' actions were contrary to the existing Executive Order Number Three (03) issued by the President of Uganda, Gen. Yoweri Museveni, banning commercial charcoal burning and trade in Northern and Northeastern Uganda (including Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, Teso, and West Nile.
The Executive Order protects against severe environmental destruction; protects endangered species of hardwood like Mahogany (Tido), local Trees like Beyo, Opok and Shea-nut trees (Ya), as known locally, including curbing illegal nomadic practices.
At the time of filing this news report (Thursday, August 13) the impounded truck which initially carried between 300 to 450 bags of charcoal remained parked at Nwoya Central Police Station (CPS).
At Agung security point, some 15KM along the Nwoya-Olwiyo Arua Highway; where two trucks were impounded with over 600 bags of charcoal also remained at the roadside.
The security personnel ordered the distribution of the charcoal to communities in the neighbouring villages around Nwoya.
On Tuesday, August 11, the same joint security team, in a meeting held at Lumumba Triangle at the UPDF Division headquarters in Gulu City, ordered illegal charcoal businessmen and women to stop dealing in any charcoal and wood business.
At the time of filing this news report (Thursday, August 13) the impounded truck which initially carried between 300 to 450 bags of charcoal remained parked at Nwoya Central Police Station (CPS).
At Agung security point, some 15KM along the Nwoya-Olwiyo Arua Highway; where two trucks were impounded with over 600 bags of charcoal also remained at the roadside.
The security personnel ordered the distribution of the charcoal to communities in the neighbouring villages around Nwoya.
On Tuesday, August 11, the same joint security team, in a meeting held at Lumumba Triangle at the UPDF Division headquarters in Gulu City, ordered illegal charcoal businessmen and women to stop dealing in any charcoal and wood business.