Security Forces Impound 46 Bags of Charcoal in South Karamoja Crackdown

Security Forces have impounded 46 bags of charcoal during a two-day operation in South Karamoja. The operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on the illegal transportation of charcoal for commercial purposes.‎

‎The crackdown is in line with the continued Presidential directive banning commercial charcoal burning in the Karamoja sub-region to protect the environment. ‎On 13th July 2026, police at Namalu Police Station conducted an operation targeting charcoal movement by taxis and trucks.

‎Twenty-six bags of charcoal were impounded along Namalu Trading Centre on the Mbale Road. The dealers were arrested, cautioned, and warned to desist from the vice. ‎The second operation was conducted on the night of 15th July 2026 at around 0830hrs at Lokales Girik Animal Checkpoint.

‎Security personnel intercepted motor vehicle registration number UBF 127S, a Fuso truck. ‎The truck had 20 bags of charcoal concealed in the middle of empty beer crates.

‎Nyongeza Kasim, 48, the driver, was transporting the charcoal from Karita to Mbale. ‎Both the vehicle and the suspect were handed over to Chepkararat Police Post for further management in conjunction with the National Forestry Authority (NFA)

‎Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incidents and said the drivers and vehicles involved have been impounded.

‎Longole said the operations are part of an ongoing regional strategy to curb environmental degradation caused by illegal charcoal burning and transportation.

‎He said the District Management Team will process a court order for the auction of the impounded charcoal. ‎‎”Joint Security Forces will intensify disruptive operations along known transit routes. The public is urged to desist from illegal charcoal business and to report any persons involved to the nearest Police Station,” Longole warned.

‎The operations come at a time when many families in Karamoja are turning to charcoal burning as a source of livelihood after the scorching sun destroyed all crops in the gardens