Renewed police operations targeting the illegal charcoal trade have sparked fear among traders and consumers, with concerns growing over livelihoods, rising prices and the availability of the widely used cooking fuel.
In August 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued a directive prohibiting the cutting down of trees for charcoal production, as well as the purchase and sale of charcoal in selected northern regions of Uganda, including Acholi, Lango, Teso, Karamoja and West Nile. The measure was intended to curb deforestation and protect the environment.
Despite the restrictions, charcoal continues to reach markets, particularly in urban centres. At the beginning of this week, police announced renewed operations targeting individuals involved in the trade, raising fresh concerns among those who depend on the business for their livelihoods.
In Makindye, charcoal trader Juliet Namigadde broke down in tears as she spoke about the uncertainty surrounding her business and the potential impact on her ability to provide for her children.
“Since the restrictions on charcoal began, the prices have continued to rise. We are now forced to sell our charcoal secretly because we fear being arrested,” Namigadde said.
She added that the uncertainty had left her worried about how she would continue supporting her family if the restrictions further disrupted her business.
The northern regions affected by the directive are among the major sources of charcoal supplied to markets across Uganda, including urban areas. The restrictions have raised questions about supply and affordability, particularly for households that rely on charcoal as their primary cooking fuel.
Leaders of the Uganda Charcoal Traders Association have also expressed concern over the renewed enforcement, arguing that the operations threaten the livelihoods of people engaged in the trade.
The association's chairperson, Eria Ssenyonjo, said the presidential directive was limited to the specified regions in northern Uganda and should not be interpreted as a nationwide ban on charcoal trading.
“The directive targets the affected regions in northern Uganda. It does not mean that charcoal trading has been banned throughout the entire country,” Ssenyonjo said.
Ssenyonjo also alleged that some security personnel were exploiting the enforcement operations to extort money from charcoal traders.
According to him, some officers set up roadblocks at various locations and demand money from traders in exchange for allowing them to continue their journeys.
The allegations raise concerns about the conduct of enforcement operations and the need to ensure that the implementation of environmental regulations is carried out transparently and lawfully.
Despite the challenges, charcoal traders argue that supplies are unlikely to disappear entirely. They point to imports from neighbouring countries as one possible source of continued supply, while proposing the planting of trees specifically for charcoal production as a longer-term approach to balancing commercial needs with environmental protection.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Information and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, has maintained that the government will continue enforcing the presidential directive against those found violating its provisions.
The minister said the operations would continue as authorities seek to protect the environment and curb the destruction of trees.
The renewed crackdown highlights the challenge facing the government as it seeks to combat deforestation while addressing the economic realities of traders and the needs of households that rely on charcoal for cooking.
As enforcement intensifies, questions remain over how the government will balance environmental conservation with affordable energy alternatives and sustainable livelihood opportunities for those affected by the restrictions.