Police have warned that even people carrying a single bag of charcoal for domestic use risk enforcement action if the charcoal originates from Northern Uganda, as security agencies intensify operations against illegal charcoal dealing in Amuru and Pakwach.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday that the presidential executive order banning charcoal burning and trade in affected areas remains in force, with operations targeting both commercial dealers and individuals transporting charcoal for household consumption.
“We are not targeting only those doing commercial charcoal selling but also those carrying single bags for domestic use. As long as the charcoal is coming from Northern Uganda,” Rusoke said.
The warning comes as security agencies step up enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued by President Museveni to curb charcoal production and trade in Northern Uganda and other affected regions over concerns about environmental degradation and deforestation.
Rusoke said security personnel had impounded 232 bags of charcoal in Amuru District, where arrests were also made. In Pakwach District, another 15 bags were seized and suspects arrested.
The latest seizures bring the total number of impounded bags reported in the two districts to 247, although police did not provide details of the suspects or indicate whether they had been charged.
The operations form part of a wider crackdown on illegal charcoal activities across Northern Uganda, Karamoja and West Nile, where authorities have repeatedly warned traders against defying the presidential directive.
Nile Post has previously reported on arrests and seizures linked to the enforcement campaign, including the detention of 40 charcoal dealers in Gulu in August and the impounding of about 3,000 bags in neighbouring Nwoya District.
Security authorities have maintained that the restrictions are intended to protect forests and curb the environmental damage associated with commercial charcoal production and transportation.
The latest warning signals that enforcement will not be limited to large consignments or organised commercial operations, with even small quantities intended for household use subject to scrutiny if they originate from areas covered by the order.
Police urged the public to comply with the directive as security agencies continue operations against illegal charcoal burning and trade.