Police, army aiding illegal charcoal trade – RDCs

Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in the Lango sub-region have accused personnel from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of facilitating and profiting from the illegal charcoal trade, in direct violation of a presidential directive banning commercial charcoal burning and transportation in northern Uganda.

In May 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3, banning the commercial production and trade of charcoal in the north, addressing concerns over widespread deforestation, illegal cattle grazing by Balaalo pastoralists, and persistent cattle rustling in northern and northeastern Uganda.

To enforce the directive, UPDF soldiers mounted checkpoints on major roads while environmental protection police were deployed to arrest individuals involved in illegal tree cutting, particularly of endangered species like the shea tree for charcoal production.

However, during a recent strategy meeting to review enforcement progress, RDCs expressed concern that some security officers charged with upholding the law are, instead, undermining it.

“UPDF soldiers set up roadblocks along major roads but allow trucks carrying charcoal to pass through and instead target motorcycle riders carrying small amounts of charcoal, from whom they extort money,” one RDC alleged.

Francis Okello Odoki, RDC for Amolatar, questioned the integrity of the enforcement process.

“Is money exchanging hands, or are some of us not doing our work? Is the problem with the police? Is the problem with the UPDF deployed through all these checkpoints?” said Odoki.

Geoffrey Okiswa, RDC for Alebtong, raised concerns over the disposal of impounded charcoal and alleged interference from higher offices.

“We are sometimes ordered to release confiscated charcoal,” he said.

“There needs to be clarity on who is responsible for managing and disposing of the impounded goods.”

Isaac Ocen Otim, assistant RDC for Dokolo district, echoed similar frustrations, noting that confusion over enforcement roles has stalled progress in halting the trade. In response, deputy regional police commander John Chrysostom Mwaule admitted that while multiple security checkpoints exist, charcoal dealers have developed tactics to bypass them.

He stopped short of addressing the specific allegations against police or UPDF personnel. In April 2025, the UPDF 5th Division released nine trucks impounded while transporting charcoal.

The over 500 bags of charcoal were offloaded at Lira City barracks, where they remain as authorities await further instructions. Despite the presidential directive, the illegal charcoal trade continues to thrive across northern Uganda, prompting local leaders to call for renewed political will, clear lines of accountability, and tougher enforcement.