The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division has returned 16 trucks impounded for allegedly transporting charcoal within its area of responsibility.
The trucks were handed back to their owners at Lira Military Barracks in Lira City with caution against engaging in the transportation of charcoal in violation of the Government directive.
The Deputy Commander of 5 Infantry Division, Col Gai Fraser Mpadwa, warned that continued destruction of forests could worsen drought, food insecurity and land degradation in the region.
“In Pader, people planted crops last season but did not get enough food because there was no rain to support their growth. This season, people have planted again, but there is still no rain. We are now looking at a situation of drought and famine in this area,” he said.
The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City, Mr Egole Lawrence, warned that although the trucks had been released because the owners were first-time offenders, repeat offenders would risk having their vehicles auctioned.
“We have given them their trucks back this time, but if they are caught again transporting charcoal, their vehicles will be auctioned,” he warned.
One of the beneficiaries, 64-year-old Ogwang Alani Martine Kenneth from Lira City West Division, who deals in dry firewood supplied to primary and secondary schools, thanked the UPDF for releasing his vehicle and pledged not to engage in charcoal transportation again.
Another truck owner, Mr Opio Jolly Bob, 40, from Odoko-Mit in Agago District, appealed to charcoal dealers and transporters to respect the Government directive.
The handover was attended by the Resident District Commissioner for Lira District, Ms Lillian Eyal; the Regional Police Commander for North Kyoga, SSP Hillary Mukiza; and Lira City Assistant Forest Officer, Mr Andrew Erumba.
