By : Our reporter

Security officials in Adjumani District have destroyed more than 300 bags of impounded charcoal by burning them as authorities step up efforts to curb commercial charcoal trading and protect dwindling forest resources.

The charcoal was set ablaze on Sunday afternoon at Ayiri Central Village in Ayiri Parish, Ukusijoni Sub-county, following a directive from Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Swaib Toko.

Toko said the destruction was aimed at discouraging commercial charcoal trading in the district amid growing concerns over forest depletion.

Adjumani District Forestry Officer Francis Ojja warned that the pace of deforestation in the district was unsustainable. He said authorities were promoting agroforestry and community sensitisation to encourage sustainable management and use of forest resources.

The operation comes amid mounting pressure on forests in Adjumani, where refugees and host communities rely on natural resources for their livelihoods and energy needs. The continued demand for charcoal and other forest products raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of these resources.