Mega Fm & Agency
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has ordered an immediate ban on the cross-border transportation of charcoal by Ugandan traders from South Sudan through all border points in the West Nile.
The directive, aimed at curbing environmental degradation caused by commercial charcoal production, was issued by the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, during a meeting with more than 20 charcoal traders at the Divisional Headquarters in Gulu on Tuesday.
Gen Busizoori said the transportation and commercial trade in charcoal from South Sudan through Northern Uganda was illegal and contravened Executive Order No. 3 issued by President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023.
President Museveni issued the executive order banning commercial charcoal production and trade in Northern Uganda following concerns from leaders and residents over widespread environmental destruction.
According to Gen Busizoori, after the order came into force, some Ugandan charcoal dealers allegedly began disguising charcoal produced in Uganda as imports from South Sudan to evade enforcement.
Gen Busizoori warned that, effective August 11, 2026, any charcoal trader found transporting charcoal from West Nile or Northern Uganda would have their truck impounded, while the charcoal would be distributed to local communities.
