Police destroys over 600 bags of charcoal in Agago

Agago, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT  |  Police in Agago have destroyed over 600 bags of charcoal in Agago in an ongoing crackdown against illegal charcoal burning.  

Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa River Region Police Spokesperson told URN in an interview that the bags of charcoal were impounded and burnt down from Rugu –rugu Village, Adilang Sub –County in Agago district.

According to Okema, police also impounded two trucks loaded with charcoal and that the trucks are now parked at Patongo Police Station.

Okema adds that they also arrested five key suspects for allegedly spearheading the destruction of the environment. Okema who declined to name the suspects so as not to interfere with ongoing investigations, revealed that they are in police custody waiting to be charged upon completion of investigation.

Haruna Busobozi, the National Forestry Authority Sector Manager in Northern Region says in the ongoing crackdown against illegal charcoal burning, NFA has mapped out the districts with rampant illegal charcoal burning which include Gulu, Agago, Lamwo and Amuru.

Busobozi says they have decided to join efforts with the police and the local leaders to intercept the illegal charcoal dealers right from the camps instead of waiting for their trucks from along the different roads which they use for transporting their charcoals.

In 2018, government under Section 29 (1&2) of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003, suspended the cutting, transportation and sale of products of shea nut trees following its rapid destruction.

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