NORTHERN Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — Ugandan security agencies have impounded 275 bags of charcoal in Amuru and Pakwach districts and arrested two suspects in a renewed crackdown on illegal charcoal production and trade in northern Uganda.
The operations, conducted on October 6 and 10, 2026, are part of inter-agency enforcement of President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, which prohibits charcoal burning and trade in West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and the Teso sub-region.
In Amuru District, security personnel recovered 260 bags of charcoal during an operation targeting Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council on October 6.
Police impounded a vehicle, registration number UAX 307D, carrying 26 bags of charcoal in Pabbo Town Council and arrested the driver, Joseph Ssentambula, and conductor, Wassa Kiziti.
A further 234 bags were recovered in Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council.
In a separate operation on October 10, joint security teams impounded 15 bags of charcoal along the Pakwach-Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-county, Pakwach District.
The two operations brought the total number of recovered charcoal bags to 275, with two suspects arrested.
Police have warned charcoal dealers, transporters and roadside vendors that enforcement of the presidential directive remains in force, cautioning that even small quantities of charcoal carried in private vehicles may attract scrutiny under the restrictions.
Authorities said operations would also target people displaying charcoal for sale along highways and urged motorists travelling back to Kampala to refrain from transporting charcoal from areas covered by the ban.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected illegal charcoal dealing to the nearest police station, with police saying investigations would guide further arrests and possible prosecutions.
The crackdown forms part of Uganda’s broader efforts to address deforestation and environmental degradation driven partly by charcoal production, a major source of cooking fuel for households and businesses.
On May 19, 2023, Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3, introducing restrictions on charcoal burning and trade across West Nile, Northern Uganda, Karamoja and Teso.
The directive was intended to curb the destruction of trees and protect forests and other natural resources in regions experiencing pressure from commercial charcoal production.
The restrictions have placed charcoal dealers and transporters operating in the affected areas under increased scrutiny, as authorities seek to stop prohibited activities and discourage the continued depletion of forest cover.
Uganda has also pursued forest conservation and restoration initiatives, including programmes supported by the European Union, aimed at rehabilitating degraded landscapes, improving sustainable forest management and strengthening environmental protection.
The long-term challenge remains balancing the protection of forests with the livelihoods of communities that depend on charcoal production and trade, as well as the demand for affordable household energy.
Police have reiterated that the presidential directive remains in force and warned that those involved in prohibited charcoal activities risk arrest and prosecution.
