Police have warned motorists returning to Kampala from upcountry against transporting charcoal in their vehicles, saying even those carrying a single bag could face arrest.
The warning follows renewed inter-agency enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which bans charcoal burning and trade in the West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and Teso sub-regions.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said enforcement teams were also targeting motorists and roadside dealers involved in prohibited charcoal-related activities.
“We discourage motorists returning to Kampala from carrying charcoal in their vehicles, including even a single bag on a pickup. Members of the public should not assume that carrying a small quantity places them outside the scope of enforcement,” Rusoke said.
The warning comes after security teams recovered 275 bags of charcoal and arrested two suspects during separate operations in Amuru and Pakwach districts.
In Amuru District, an operation conducted on October 6 in Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-County and Atiak Town Council resulted in the recovery of 260 bags of charcoal.
In Pabbo Town Council, officers impounded a motor vehicle, registration number UAX 307D, which was carrying 26 bags of charcoal. The driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and the conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested.
A further 234 bags of charcoal were recovered in Opara Sub-County and Atiak Town Council.
In Pakwach District, a joint security operation conducted on October 10 along the Pakwach–Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-County resulted in the seizure of 15 bags of charcoal.
Rusoke said the operations were part of the ongoing inter-agency enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which remains in force.
“We remind the public that the executive order remains in force,” he said.
He warned charcoal dealers and transporters to stop the prohibited activities, adding that roadside sales, including the display of charcoal bags along highways, were also being targeted.
“Our teams are also targeting roadside charcoal sales, including persons displaying bags of charcoal along highways. We warn those engaged in prohibited charcoal activities to stop,” Rusoke said.
Police urged members of the public to comply with the directive and report suspected illegal charcoal trading to the nearest police station.
Rusoke said investigations would guide further arrests and prosecutions of individuals found violating the directive.
