UPDF disposes off impounded charcoal

25 November 2025, 19:16

By Ambrose Okwanga

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), under the command of the 5th Division, have destroyed over 1,500 bags of charcoal impounded across Lango during their recent operation.

Speaking at Lira Main Barracks during the exercise, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, said the charcoal was seized from various checkpoints within Lango in accordance with Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which prohibits the sale of charcoal.

Katungyi added that President Museveni intends to preserve the environment, particularly by stopping the deforestation of indigenous tree species such as the shea nut. He noted that over 120 vehicles transporting charcoal have been impounded during operations this year.

He explained that the UPDF aims to disrupt the charcoal business from producers to final consumers in order to curb the vice. Vehicles used for transporting charcoal are impounded and released after two months, causing financial losses for owners whose consignments are also auctioned freely.

Lawrence Egole, the Resident City Commissioner of Lira City, said that some security operatives in Lango held a meeting yesterday and resolved that the impounded charcoal should be given to locals free of charge, rather than sold.

He also expressed dismay at individuals who repeatedly come to Lango to buy charcoal and sell it at inflated prices. Egole added that authorities will soon begin auctioning impounded vehicles to send a strong message to those involved in the charcoal trade to desist from the practice.

Some locals who received charcoal from the auction thanked the government, through the UPDF, for supporting them, noting that most usually have to buy charcoal at very high prices.

Nam Anjoleta, a 75-year-old woman who received the charcoal, said she normally spends 3,000 shillings every day on charcoal and added that she would use the charcoal she received efficiently to cook for several weeks.

Leonard Otika, the Lira City Environment Officer, recently said that most households in Lira City, including schools, rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking. He added that they have begun encouraging people to explore alternative energy sources.

Otika explained that Lira City is currently working with schools such as St Katherine Secondary School, St Gracious School, Lango College, and Saving Grace Primary School to sensitise them on the use of biogas in order to help reduce environmental degradation.

Ugandans consume 53 million tonnes of charcoal annually, according to the Ministry of Energy and Environment.