ADVERTISEMENT

Impounded charcoal goes missing from Kitgum police stations

Kitgum District leaders want to know why the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) made the decision to transport charcoal impounded in Kitgum to Lira for auction, raising concerns that foul play might be afoot.

Security have stepped up operations targeting charcoal businesses in Northern Uganda

The concerned leaders demand an explanation from the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) about the change in procedure, seemingly arbitrarily.

ADVERTISEMENT

Northern Uganda has, from time out of mind, relied on firewood and charcoal as its primary cooking fuel.

Ocitti Dayan, the councillor for Lalano Sub-county, was dismayed by what he views as a snap decision shrouded in mystery regarding the auctioning of the charcoal. He says that although charcoal has been impounded, it seems to have vanished like the morning mist.

“Several bags of charcoal have been impounded, but there is no proper trace of what is happening in Kitgum. Why is it being taken to Lira?” he questioned.

ADVERTISEMENT

Charles Olweny, the councillor from Namokora Sub-county, added to this clamour by casting doubt on the wisdom of a charcoal auction in Lira.

Atto Mary, the Secretary for Production, Marketing, and Natural Resources, and a councillor from Mucwini East, was also incredulous, saying charcoal impounded in Kitgum should be auctioned in Kitgum, rather than sent to another district.

The councillors’ concern was set off in alarm mode last week when a truck registration number UAT 031L carrying 369 bags of charcoal was impounded in Orom sub-county. Initially, the truck was headed to the 505 Brigades in Pajimo before being rerouted to Lira.

ADVERTISEMENT

Geoffrey Oguti, Kitgum’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner in charge of Chua East, attempted to allay fears issued by the councillors, saying the decision to reroute the bags of charcoal to Lira was made by the Office of the President. He said the President's Office was responding to voices raised amongst residents in Kitgum that charcoal was disappearing from police stations.

“All district leaders from where these charcoals were impounded will be invited to Lira to discuss how the charcoals will be auctioned and how the proceeds can be remitted to the respective districts,” Oguti said.

The sale of charcoal in the northern region has led to deforestation and exposed people to the deleterious effects of climate change.

Consequently, last year in May, President Yoweri Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3 banning large-scale commercial charcoal production and trade in Northern Uganda.

ADVERTISEMENT

This led to an uptick in charcoal prices with a single bag in Gulu costing Shs90,000—in a region where 43.8% of the population lives in poverty, according to the 2019/2020 Uganda National Housing Survey.

ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: news@pulse.ug

Recommended articles

Today in History: When Museveni hijacked Obote’s plane

Today in History: When Museveni hijacked Obote’s plane

68% of Ugandans live in poverty, says Report

68% of Ugandans live in poverty, says Report

Uganda to sue Elon Musk as Space X satellite debris lands in western villages

Uganda to sue Elon Musk as Space X satellite debris lands in western villages

Muzungu Boda finally deported

Muzungu Boda finally deported

Besigye slams UPDF General for desecrating army uniform

Besigye slams UPDF General for desecrating army uniform

Landslide victims decry delayed relocation compensation

Landslide victims decry delayed relocation compensation

Why Trump might help keep African dictators in power

Why Trump might help keep African dictators in power

Trump will eat healthier, I hope—White House Chef

Trump will eat healthier, I hope—White House Chef

Impounded charcoal goes missing from Kitgum police stations

Impounded charcoal goes missing from Kitgum police stations

ADVERTISEMENT