Enforcers should adhere to just energy transition principles that necessitate a manner that is both fair and inclusive COMMENT | WALTER AKENA | In May 2023, the President issued Executive Order No. 3 banning large-scale commercial charcoal production and trade in Northern Uganda. This directive aimed to curb the rampant deforestation …
Read More »Charcoal ban drives up prices in Uganda, putting small businesses in a bind
The government is pushing for cleaner fuel options. But costs and traditions stand in the way of change. KAMPALA, UGANDA | Edna Namara Global Press Journal Uganda | Gertrude Arineitwe spreads out her green polythene bag at the charcoal shelter. The charcoal seller, a woman from whom Arineitwe has bought charcoal for the past …
Read More »Police officers accused of giving protection to illegal charcoal trade in Agago
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Two traffic police officers in Agago District Richard Ahebwa and Godfrey Bamulanga have been accused of escorting trucks carrying charcoal in disregard of the President’s Executive Order. Agago District Speaker Bosco Koko says the duo, both attached to Patongo Central Police Station, were accused of conniving …
Read More »NFA auctions 5,326 bags of charcoal
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Forestry Authority (NFA) in the Aswa range has initiated the auctioning of more than 5,326 bags of charcoal that were seized from illegal dealers in the Acholi sub-region. The Gulu Chief Magistrates Court ordered their disposal through a public auction. However, since …
Read More »Over 6,000 sacks of impounded charcoal going to waste in Gulu
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Thousands of sacks of charcoal impounded by law enforcement officers in the Acholi Sub-region are exposed to rain and wasting away, three months after the Gulu Chief Magistrates Court ordered their disposal through public auctioning. On July 12, Gulu Chief Magistrate Said Barigye in …
Read More »Traders resort to boda boda to transport charcoal in northern Uganda
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Illegal charcoal trade has continued to boom in Northern Uganda with the support of boda boda cyclists. In May, President Museveni issued Executive Order Number 3 of 2023, banning charcoal trade in Northern and Eastern Uganda, to bring an end to the indiscriminate cutting …
Read More »NFA backtracks on distribution of 6,000 bags of impounded charcoal
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Forestry Authority-NFA in the Aswa River Range region have backtracked on their decision to give out impounded charcoal to the community and institutions. Since July 2023, NFA, together with the Environmental Police Protection Unit-EPPU have impounded thousands of bags of charcoal in …
Read More »Chief Justice blames Acholi leaders for persistent charcoal trade
Agago, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo, has advised leaders in Acholi to take action against dealers in charcoal trade. In May, President Museveni signed an executive order banning tree cutting for commercial charcoal production in Northern Uganda. This has led to an increase in the impounding …
Read More »Museveni directive on charcoal trade biting
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Forestry Authority has vowed to continue enforcing the president’s directive on charcoal products and trade despite the growing outcry over the skyrocketing prices. In May this year, President Museveni issued Executive Order No 3 which, among others banned the production of and …
Read More »NFA impounds 200 tons of charcoal in Gulu
Gulu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has impounded an estimated 200 tons of charcoal in a crackdown on the illegal movement of forest products from the Acholi Sub-region. The operation was jointly undertaken with the Environmental Police Protection Unit (EPPU) and targeted defiant charcoal businessmen …
Read More »