Police Warns Against Illegal Charcoal Burning, Election Violence

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Uganda Police have warned against illegal use of forest resources, with particular focus on charcoal burning in northern Uganda, after a joint security operation in the Madi Okollo sub-region led to eight arrests. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, speaking at the weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, said authorities intend to pursue actors across the charcoal supply chain, including production, transport and trade.

According to the report, police identified Lango, Acholi and West Nile as areas of concern for illegal charcoal production and asked the public to support efforts to protect forest resources. The warning comes amid continuing public concern in Uganda over deforestation and the commercial charcoal trade, especially in regions where enforcement has periodically been tightened.

Rusoke also cautioned the public ahead of Local Council elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, saying police would respond to intimidation, threats, interference with voting materials or obstruction of the electoral process. He urged candidates and supporters to follow the Electoral Commission timetable and avoid campaigns or processions on polling day.

The briefing also covered urban crime operations. Nile Post said police reported 1,711 arrests in Kampala North, Kampala East and Kampala South between July 13 and July 26 during operations targeting phone theft and snatching; 120 suspects were released on police bond, 503 cautioned and 954 taken to court. Rusoke said police were working to reconnect recovered gadgets with victims. He also acknowledged complaints about police conduct during the July 25 National Cleaning Day exercise and said the force would review what happened to improve future operations.