UPDF Returns 16 Impounded Charcoal Trucks, Threatens Auction for Repeat Offenders
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 5 Infantry Division has handed back 16 trucks that were impounded over allegations of transporting charcoal in defiance of a government directive. The vehicles were returned to their owners at Lira Military Barracks in Lira City, with military authorities warning that future violations would attract tougher penalties.
The UPDF used the handover to remind the truck owners of the government’s directive restricting charcoal transportation, stressing that protecting forests was essential to preventing environmental destruction and safeguarding communities from the effects of climate change.The Deputy Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, Col Gai Fraser Mpadwa, expressed concern that continued forest destruction could worsen drought, food shortages and land degradation across the region. He warned that prolonged periods without rainfall were already threatening agricultural production and the livelihoods of local communities.
“In Pader, people planted crops last season but did not get enough food because there was no rain to support their growth. This season, people have planted again, but there is still no rain. We are now looking at a situation of drought and famine in this area,” Col Mpadwa said.Lira City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Egole Lawrence said the trucks had been released because their owners were regarded as first-time offenders.
However, he made it clear that authorities would not show similar leniency to those caught transporting charcoal again in violation of the directive.“We have given them their trucks back this time, but if they are caught again transporting charcoal, their vehicles will be auctioned,” Egole warned, urging the beneficiaries to comply with the government’s restrictions.Among those who received their vehicles was 64-year-old Ogwang Alani Martine Kenneth, a resident of Lira City West Division who supplies dry firewood to primary and secondary schools.
He expressed gratitude to the UPDF for returning his truck and promised not to engage in charcoal transportation again.Another beneficiary, 40-year-old Opio Jolly Bob from Odoko-Mit in Agago District, called on charcoal dealers and transporters to respect the government directive and avoid activities that undermine environmental protection efforts.The handover ceremony was attended by Lira District Resident District Commissioner Ms Lillian Eyal, North Kyoga Regional Police Commander SSP Hillary Mukiza, and Lira City Assistant Forest Officer Mr Andrew Erumba. Their presence underscored the involvement of security agencies and local authorities in enforcing environmental protection measures.
