By Willy Chowoo
Charcoal dealers in Northern Uganda have devised new tactics to evade enforcement of Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which bans the production and transportation of charcoal in the region. The dealers are allegedly bribing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers stationed at various checkpoints along highways to allow their vehicles carrying charcoal to pass through.
Major Peter Mugisa, the 4th Division Public Information Officer, revealed during a radio talk show at Mega Fm in Gulu City that some soldiers have succumbed to these illegal bribes. “When the dealers obtain the phone numbers of soldiers manning checkpoints, they send them sums ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 3 million. These soldiers then facilitate the passage of vehicles carrying charcoal,” said Maj Mugisa.
Soldiers Arrested in Corruption Scandal
Maj Mugisa disclosed that three soldiers accused of accepting bribes have been arrested and are now facing trial before the military court-martial. “Upon investigating their accounts, we discovered deposits of up to UGX 5 million. The soldiers claimed these were loans from Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative, but the transactions suggest otherwise,” he explained.
In addition to aiding the transport of illegal charcoal, soldiers have been accused of selling confiscated charcoal to communities and taking bribes from boda boda riders who ferry the commodity. Maj Mugisa urged the public to report any soldiers involved in such activities, assuring that those found guilty will face stringent disciplinary action.
Impact of the Ban
The strict enforcement of the executive order has led to skyrocketing charcoal prices in the region. In Gulu City, a bag of charcoal now costs between UGX 45,000 and UGX 50,000 during the festive season, compared to much lower prices before the ban.
The executive order was introduced to combat rampant deforestation in Northern Uganda. However, allegations of collusion between law enforcement officers and charcoal dealers have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the enforcement measures.
A History of Complicity
Before the issuance of Executive Order No. 3, soldiers and police officers were frequently accused of enabling the illicit charcoal and logging trade in Northern Uganda. This complicity continues to undermine government efforts to curb deforestation and environmental degradation in the region.
As the crackdown intensifies, Maj Mugisa called for vigilance from the public to expose corrupt officials involved in perpetuating the illegal trade. “We appeal to communities to stand firm and report any soldiers who are taking bribes or selling impounded charcoal,” he said.
The enforcement of the ban, while necessary for environmental conservation, has exposed the challenges of corruption within security agencies and the resilience of those benefiting from the illegal trade.
