Security accused of undermining environmental directives

17 May 2025, 1:51 pm

By Denish Ongora

Lira

Security personnel have come under criticism for allegedly undermining the implementation of presidential directives aimed at curbing environmental degradation in Northern Uganda.

This was revealed during a Lango regional stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lira District Council Hall, organised by the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Omona.

The meeting sought to strategise on the enforcement of Executive Order No. 3, signed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2023, which bans charcoal burning and trade in the region.

Francis Okello Rwotlonyo, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Amolatar, called for an investigation into the conduct of the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

He claimed that trucks continue to transport charcoal within communities and evade security roadblocks, particularly in Amolatar district, in blatant defiance of the presidential directive.

Francis Abola, the LCV chairperson of Otuke district, echoed these concerns, accusing UPDF soldiers of setting up roadblocks along major roads but allowing trucks carrying charcoal to pass through.

He added that the soldiers instead target boda boda riders carrying small amounts of charcoal, from whom they allegedly extort money.

Erute North MP, Christine Akello, went further to accuse UPDF soldiers of impounding charcoal only to resell it cheaply, without providing any accountability for the proceeds.

Responding to the allegations, Mwaule John Chrysostom, the Deputy Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, said that the Environment Protection Police Unit has been deployed to impound charcoal in several areas but acknowledged that some trucks still manage to evade the roadblocks.

Geoffrey Okiswa, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong, said the local community is aware of the presidential directive and has played a key role in reporting individuals involved in charcoal burning to the authorities.

Meanwhile, Komakech Godfrey, the Regional Prisons Commander, called on the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Omona, to partner with Uganda Prisons in the production and distribution of tree seedlings to local communities as part of broader environmental conservation efforts.

In his closing remarks, Minister Omona urged both local communities and security agencies in the Lango sub-region to fully support and enforce the presidential directives aimed at protecting the environment.

In May this year, President Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3, which, among other measures, banned the production and trade of charcoal in Northern Uganda as part of efforts to protect the environment.