Uganda Police declares another war on charcoal

What the report says

Uganda Police has reiterated that the ban on charcoal burning and trade in northern Uganda remains in force, warning that enforcement under Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 will apply even to small quantities carried for domestic use. The statement comes as police and other agencies intensified operations in several districts, including Amuru and Pakwach, where officers said they recovered 275 bags of charcoal and made two arrests over the past week.

According to The Independent Uganda, one operation on 6 October 2026 in Amuru District covered Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council. Police said a vehicle was stopped in Pabbo with 26 bags, leading to the arrest of the driver and conductor, while other bags were seized elsewhere in the district. A separate operation on 10 October along the Pakwach-Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-county led to the impounding of 15 bags.

Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said motorists returning to Kampala should not carry charcoal, and he rejected the idea that one bag would be overlooked. The crackdown has also expanded to roadside vendors and is part of a broader campaign that authorities say is meant to curb illegal charcoal production and forest loss.

The report also notes growing concern among residents and local leaders in northern Uganda, where charcoal remains an important household fuel and prices have risen amid the enforcement. Some leaders want the restrictions eased for domestic use, while police say investigations will continue and further arrests could follow.