Summary:
- The charcoal was sourced from Zoka Forest, with some of it passing through Atiak.
AMURU: The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has impounded a significant amount of charcoal in Amuru District.
The charcoal was sourced from Zoka Forest, with some of it passing through Atiak. At Akurukwe, the UPDF intercepted six trucks, two of which were taken to the 4th Division Headquarters, one to Amuru District, and three were parked near Akurukwe Police Post.
Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the UPDF 4th Infantry Division Public Information Officer, stated that around 20,000 bags of charcoal were impounded in Amuru District and are being stored at the district headquarters.
Additionally, nearly 3,000 bags were seized in Zoka.
Captain Kato explained that the owners of the impounded charcoal are dealers from various parts of Uganda who trade in the charcoal business.
He noted that the dealers, despite being aware of the Presidential Executive Order banning the trade, admitted to violating the order due to a lack of alternative employment and the need to provide for their families.
The dealers are now pleading with the government to allow them to sell the impounded charcoal to recover their loan money and exit the business.
Sources on the ground revealed that the charcoal trade involves not only locals but also foreigners, including those from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Additionally, some individuals are clearing the forest for agricultural purposes.
Captain Kato highlighted that the most affected area is Kilak Central Forest Reserve (CFR), which is one of the six central forest reserves in Uganda that still have significant forest cover.
However, it is now under threat despite being under the protection of the National Forestry Authority (NFA).
He also mentioned that similar destruction is taking place in Got Gweno Central Forest Reserve, where trees are being cleared for agriculture and charcoal production.
Among the trees being cut down is the valuable Vitellaria paradoxa, commonly known as the Shea nut tree, which has been felled in Atiak and Okidi and is being prepared for conversion into charcoal.
