Tracy Aciro
Three non-Ugandans have been arrested during the ongoing operation to curb the rampant destruction of forests in northern Uganda by illegal charcoal dealers.
On May 19, 2023, President Yoweri Museveni issued an executive order banning charcoal burning in Northern Uganda following concerns by leaders.
However, despite the directive, the district has seen an increase in the destruction of forests for commercial charcoal burning.
According to reports, at least 20 tons of charcoal leave the region on daily basis to central Uganda for sale.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, the UPDF 4 division commander, says some of the dealers are non-Ugandans.
According to Brig. Gen. Busizoori, three of the illegal charcoal dealers arrested from Zoka Forest in Adjumani district are from the Democratic Republic of Congo and are believed to be link to ADF terrorist group.
Zoka Forest covers 1,259 hectares and lies in the southern part of Adjumani, Itirikwa and Ukusijoni sub-counties.
Last week, due to police’s failure UPDF have now taken over the operation to crack down on illegal charcoal dealers from police and the office of president.
