By Our Staff Reporter

PAKWACH, UGANDA | 13th October 2026
Police have stepped up operations against illegal charcoal transportation and selling in northern Uganda, seizing 275 bags of charcoal and arresting two suspects in Amuru and Pakwach districts.

The charcoal was recovered during joint security operations carried out on October 6 and 10, 2026, as authorities continued enforcing the presidential directive restricting charcoal burning and trade in selected parts of the country.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke warned motorists, especially those travelling from northern Uganda to Kampala, against carrying charcoal in their vehicles.

He explained that even motorists transporting a single bag of charcoal could face police action if they are found violating the restrictions.

During an operation conducted on October 6 in Pabbo Town Council, Amuru District, security officers intercepted a vehicle registration number UAX 307D carrying 26 bags of charcoal.

The driver, identified as Joseph Ssentambula, and his conductor, Wassa Kiziti, were arrested.

In the same operation, security personnel recovered another 234 bags of charcoal from Opara Sub-County and Atiak Town Council.

This brought the total number of bags seized in Amuru District to 260.

A second operation was conducted on October 10 along the Pakwach–Nebbi Road in Alwi Sub-County, Pakwach District, where officers recovered an additional 15 bags.

The two operations brought the total number of confiscated charcoal bags to 275.

Police Warn Roadside Charcoal Sellers

Police have also warned people selling charcoal along major roads to stop engaging in trade prohibited by the presidential directive.

Rusoke said security teams would continue monitoring highways and other areas where charcoal is transported, stored or displayed for sale.

He urged motorists and traders to respect the existing restrictions to avoid arrests and confiscation of their goods.

Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspected illegal charcoal activities to the nearest police station.

Government Moves to Protect Forests

The operations are part of the enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on May 19, 2023.

The directive restricts charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and the Teso sub-region.

The government introduced the measures to address environmental destruction caused by uncontrolled tree cutting and charcoal production.

Continued illegal charcoal production remains a concern because of its contribution to deforestation, environmental degradation and the loss of natural resources.

Police have maintained that enforcement operations will continue, warning those involved in prohibited charcoal activities that they risk arrest and prosecution.

Authorities have called for greater public cooperation in protecting Uganda’s forests and promoting environmentally sustainable sources of energy.