The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division has distributed confiscated charcoal to vulnerable families in Lira City as part of ongoing enforcement of the presidential directive banning commercial charcoal production in Northern Uganda.
The distribution followed a series of security operations guided by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s Executive Order issued on 19 May 2023 in Baralegi Parish, Otuke District. The order responded to concerns raised by local leaders over widespread environmental destruction and the rapid depletion of forest cover linked to illegal charcoal activities.
Since enforcement began, security forces have impounded more than 120 trucks transporting charcoal in violation of the directive. The seized charcoal had been kept at the Lira Army Barracks for several months. Division Commander Maj Gen Keith Katungi supervised its redistribution to selected households, working alongside Lira Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Egole Lawrence.
Maj Gen Katungi said the initiative supports national efforts to restore degraded natural resources. He noted that Uganda has lost over 60 percent of its forest cover since 1960 due to uncontrolled charcoal production and deforestation. He added that the UPDF will continue to target illegal dealers who fuel the destruction.
RCC Egole commended the army for maintaining integrity during the operation and for resisting bribery attempts by traders seeking to recover the impounded charcoal. He warned that offenders risk having their vehicles seized and auctioned in addition to prosecution.
Officials urged communities to engage in environmental protection efforts, warning that continued misuse of natural resources heightens climate change risks and deepens environmental degradation across the region.
