Security accused of sabotaging enforcement of presidential directives on environment

17 May 2025, 1:51 pm

By Denish Ongora

Lira

Security personnel have come under fire for allegedly sabotaging 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, organized by the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona.

The meeting aimed to strategize 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 a probe into the conduct of the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).

He claimed that trucks continue to transport charcoal within communities and bypass security roadblocks, especially in Amolatar District, in blatant defiance of the presidential directive.

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

He added that the soldiers instead target boda boda riders with 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 accountability for the proceeds.

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

Geoffrey Okiswa, the RDC of Alebtong, said the local community is aware of the presidential directive and has been instrumental in reporting individuals engaged in charcoal burning to the authorities.

Meanwhile, Komakech Godfrey, the Regional Prisons Commander, urged 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 called on both local communities and security agencies in the Lango sub-region to fully support and enforce the presidential directives to protect the environment.

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