NFA fetches UGX 12 million from impounded charcoal

Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT  |  The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has realized Shillings 11.3million from the auction of impounded charcoal. The charcoal was impounded from Amuru and Adjumani districts during joint operations manned by the Environmental Police Protection Unit and NFA last month against illegal charcoal dealers in Northern Region.   

The team impounded more than 1000 bags of charcoal and sought permission from court to auction the charcoal in accordance with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act (PPDA).  Haruna Busobozi, the NFA Sector Manager for West Acholi, which comprises Gulu, Omoro, Nwoya and Amuru districts told URN on Tuesday that the charcoal bags were impounded between January and March this year.  

He says that they auctioned the charcoal at their NFA Gulu Office last week and sold each bag of charcoal at Shillings 23,000. Busobozi says that they banked the money on the consolidated bank account after deducting the expenses of Shillings 1 million.   

Xavier Sekanabo, an officer from the Environmental Police Protection Unit, who led the operation, told URN that some of the charcoal bags were impounded from the illegal charcoal dealer’s camp while some were in transit to Central Uganda. 

The charcoal dealers are faulted for indiscriminately destroying endangered indigenous tree species including Shea nut trees, Mahogany and Afzelia Africana. NFA is also yet to auction more than 500 bags of charcoal in Gulu that were impounded from FUSO trucks registration number UAG 839U and 386G in Kitgum and Pader districts on Monday.

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URN