Charcoal burning in Karamoja has continued despite a presidential ban, with local leaders saying it remains the only source of livelihood for many households.
In May 2023, President Yoweri Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3, banning commercial charcoal production in the Karamoja Sub-region to combat environmental destruction and insecurity.
Charcoal burners have often been accused of harboring armed warriors who disguise themselves as burners in the bush while planning raids.
Since the order, joint security forces have impounded several trucks transporting charcoal. However, burning continues. Locals burn and sell charcoal in towns, while some is transported out of the region, including in government vehicles under claims of domestic use.
Leaders are now calling for intensified operations against charcoal burning, which they say is mushrooming, especially in Kotido and Kaabong districts.
Meri Jino, the Kaabong LC5 Chairperson, said people from Kotido invade parts of Kaabong and are seriously destroying the environment by cutting down trees.
Meri said the community is engaged in charcoal burning for commercial purposes, contrary to the executive order.
He added that armed warriors have taken advantage, camouflaging as charcoal burners while attacking road users.
He says the clearing started in border sub-counties of Loyoro, Losilang, Kotido and then spreadin into Kaabong. The trees cut for charcoal and construction.
Meri said an operation with the police to flush people out of the bushes was hindered by boundary conflicts.
“The State Attorney challenged us to prove the border between Kaabong and Kotido because they might be cutting their own trees. This is wrong because the environment is for all of us,” he said.
He challenged joint security forces to step up efforts to flush people out of the bushes to save the environment.
Source: URN
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