Charcoal trade thrives in West Nile despite ban
Despite a three-year ban on commercial charcoal production in northern Uganda, the trade continues to thrive through illicit networks. Security officials are struggling to enforce the directive as dealers use small-scale transport to bypass checkpoints.
Why it matters
The illegal charcoal trade contributes to rapid deforestation and environmental degradation, undermining government conservation efforts.
Three years after President Museveni banned commercial charcoal production and transportation in northern Uganda, the outlawed trade remains active in West Nile, raising questions about the enforcement of the directive.
On October 6, security leaders met in Arua City to strengthen enforcement against defiant charcoal dealers. However, the renewed push comes amid reports that traders continue using concealed routes, motorcycles and roadside collection points to move charcoal to markets beyond the region.
On September 17, Daily Monitor reported that dealers were using motorcyclists to transport charcoal in small quantities from production sites to roadside collection points, where larger consignments are loaded onto trucks.
The trade reportedly continues through designated and undesignated routes, including checkpoints in Pakwach and Karuma.
West Nile Regional Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said security leaders had pledged to work with forestry officers, prosecutors and court officials to enforce the order.
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