Charcoal Ban Enforcement Intensifies in Northern Uganda

[Eronda]

Joint enforcement teams have intensified operations against illegal charcoal trade under Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which bans charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, and the Teso sub‑Region.

On 6 October 2026, officers in Amuru District impounded a vehicle, registration number UAX 307D, carrying 26 bags of charcoal in Pabbo Town Council. The driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and his conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested. Additional sweeps in Opara Sub‑County and Atiak Town Council led to the recovery of 234 more bags, bringing the total haul in Amuru to 260 bags.

In a separate operation on 10 October 2026, joint security teams in Pakwach District intercepted 15 bags of charcoal along the Pakwach–Nebbi road in Alwi Sub‑County.

Together, the two operations resulted in the recovery of 275 bags of charcoal and the arrest of two suspects.

Authorities have reminded the public that the executive order remains in force and warned against roadside charcoal sales or transporting charcoal along highways. Motorists returning to Kampala have been cautioned not to carry charcoal in their vehicles, even in small quantities such as a single bag on a pickup.

Officials emphasized that enforcement applies to all levels of illegal charcoal activity and urged citizens to report suspected dealers to the nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests and prosecutions expected.

 

[Rohombay]

View attachment 3689638
Joint enforcement teams have intensified operations against illegal charcoal trade under Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which bans charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja, and the Teso sub‑Region.

On 6 October 2026, officers in Amuru District impounded a vehicle, registration number UAX 307D, carrying 26 bags of charcoal in Pabbo Town Council. The driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and his conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested. Additional sweeps in Opara Sub‑County and Atiak Town Council led to the recovery of 234 more bags, bringing the total haul in Amuru to 260 bags.

In a separate operation on 10 October 2026, joint security teams in Pakwach District intercepted 15 bags of charcoal along the Pakwach–Nebbi road in Alwi Sub‑County.

Together, the two operations resulted in the recovery of 275 bags of charcoal and the arrest of two suspects.

Authorities have reminded the public that the executive order remains in force and warned against roadside charcoal sales or transporting charcoal along highways. Motorists returning to Kampala have been cautioned not to carry charcoal in their vehicles, even in small quantities such as a single bag on a pickup.

Officials emphasized that enforcement applies to all levels of illegal charcoal activity and urged citizens to report suspected dealers to the nearest police station. Investigations are ongoing, with further arrests and prosecutions expected.

View attachment 3689641

This is the terrible situation.as i know the main source of energy in various areas in remote and urban is charcol so how people are going to manage their lives.

 

[Eronda]

This is the terrible situation.as i know the main source of energy in various areas in remote and urban is charcol so how people are going to manage their lives.

We as Uganda can’t sustain this directive with unstable electricity, most areas aren’t even connected to the national grid

 

[Rohombay]

We as Uganda can’t sustain this directive with unstable electricity, most areas aren’t even connected to the national grid

Absolutely how can a citzen sustain without charcol!i know even gas uses is not common and the price is also surging.