The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division has handed out impounded charcoal to households in Lira City as part of enforcement of the presidential ban on commercial charcoal burning in Northern Uganda.
The distribution was led by Maj Gen Keith Katungi, Division Commander of the 5 Infantry Division.
The charcoal was confiscated during operations in Baralegi Parish, Otuke District, following President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Executive Order of 19 May 2023.
The directive aims to curb widespread environmental destruction linked to commercial charcoal production.
Maj Gen Katungi said the initiative is part of a broader national effort to restore Uganda’s forests.
“Since 1960, more than 60 per cent of Uganda’s forest cover has been lost to charcoal burning and deforestation. This operation is meant to reverse that trend and protect the country’s future.”
Since the start of enforcement, security teams have intercepted over 120 trucks transporting charcoal.
The seized loads had been stored at the Lira military barracks for months, prompting the division leadership, together with Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Egole Lawrence, to distribute them to vulnerable residents.
RCC Egole commended the UPDF for their professionalism during enforcement and for rejecting bribes from dealers trying to bypass the ban. He also warned violators of the consequences.
“Those who violate the ban risk having their trucks auctioned and facing prosecution,” he said.
Authorities urged the public to protect natural resources, noting that unchecked human activity continues to accelerate environmental degradation and contribute to global warming.
