By : Rose Kasigwa

Security officials and environmentalists in the West Nile sub-region have resolved to strengthen the protection of standing trees and intensify enforcement of the ban on charcoal trade under Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2023.

The resolutions were reached during a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by the 4th UPDF Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph Serunkuma, at the West Nile Regional Police Headquarters in Arua City on Wednesday.

Serunkuma commended enforcement teams for their efforts but urged them to prioritise preventing the cutting of live trees for charcoal production instead of focusing mainly on confiscating charcoal that has already been produced. He also emphasised the need for teamwork, mutual respect and information sharing among enforcement agencies.

The West Nile Regional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police Latif Zaake, called for consultations with the Environment Department and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) headquarters in Kampala on the disposal of impounded charcoal linked to pending court cases. He also proposed involving the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary in enforcement operations and the management of confiscated charcoal.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Leni Ndori, the Regional Prisons Commander, urged officers to correctly interpret the Executive Order and ensure proper monitoring before implementing its provisions. Meanwhile, Gertrude Collins Atimango, the West Nile Regional Commissioner for Resident City Commissioners and Resident District Commissioners, called for urgent action to manage large stockpiles of charcoal in Busia, Koboko District, and other parts of the region.

Rtd. Maj. Akello Betty Otekat, the Resident City Commissioner of Arua City, reminded the meeting that individuals clearing land for agriculture are required to notify the relevant ministry in writing, in accordance with the Executive Order.

The security team identified Madi-Okollo, Koboko, Yumbe and Adjumani as major charcoal production hotspots. It called for stronger enforcement structures, beginning at village level and extending to district and regional authorities.

Officials from the Uganda Revenue Authority’s Arua regional office said government policies, directives and executive orders should be communicated clearly and in good time to enable the agency to implement them effectively.

The meeting resolved to mobilise local leaders to conduct community sensitisation campaigns against cutting trees for charcoal production. Districts were also directed to convene security committee meetings and prepare enforcement work plans within one week.

The team further resolved to continue impounding charcoal at the Busia border point in Koboko and other locations. The confiscated charcoal is to be distributed to government institutions, including prisons, hospitals and schools, within one week. Institutions receiving the charcoal are expected to plant trees in return.