UPDF Releases Charcoal Trucks As Leaders Warn Against Illegal Trade

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has released nine trucks impounded for the illegal transportation of charcoal, in line with a presidential directive issued in May 2023 to combat environmental degradation and insecurity in Northern Uganda.

During a stakeholder engagement at Lira Military Barracks, Maj Gen Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, delivered a clear warning to truck drivers, stating that the law must be respected and that “ignorance of the law” would no longer be tolerated.

Lira City Resident City Commissioner, Egole Lawrence, called on truck owners to install monitoring systems to prevent their vehicles from being used in unlawful activities. He cautioned that “people are abusing freedom” and urged individuals to pursue legal avenues for addressing grievances.

Ms Agouti Gracious, Forest Sector Manager for East Lango, urged local communities to stop assisting external charcoal traders, warning that such cooperation “was endangering their future.”

The meeting was attended by senior UPDF officials, North Kyoga Regional Police Commander SSP Doka Rahid, and other local leaders.