Eight arrested in crackdown on illegal tree cutting and charcoal burning

24 January 2023, 10:34 am

By Otim Moses

Forest destruction in Lamwo district is affecting the environment and climate change which in the long run affects productivity and weather patterns.

The Environmental Protection Police Unit – EPPU on Monday arrested eight people from Lamwo district in a crackdown on illegal tree cutting and commercial charcoal burning.

The operation was conducted in the activity’s hotspot of Adodi farm in Ayuu Alali sub-county, Lamwo district.

The suspects had in their possession power saws, elementary tree cutting tools, beans, maize flour and 140 liters of petrol among others. They had also erected makeshift structures for their accommodation.

According to the Aswa Regional Environmental Protection Police Unit commander, SP Neleduale Joshua, they acted after being tipped that some people were indiscriminately cutting trees for logs and charcoal. He said on Monday that the 8 suspects would be transferred to Lamwo central police station and will be produced before court once investigations are complete.

Neleduale said the suspects will be charge with illegal cutting and burning of trees for charcoal contrary to the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act of 2003 section 14 sub-section 1 and 32 sub-section 1A

He asked political leaders to be transparent and sensitize the populace on the dangers of destroying the environment.

He also warned that land owners who will be found to have given land for such illegal activities will be dealt with accordingly.