Security Impounds Two Trucks with Over 200 Bags of Charcoal in Napak, Nabilatuk

Joint security forces have impounded two trucks transporting more than 200 bags of charcoal in the districts of Napak and Nabilatuk as enforcement of the presidential ban on the commercial charcoal trade from Karamoja intensifies.

In the first operation, security personnel at the Iriiri Animal Check Point in Napak District intercepted a truck, registration number UBL 485M, at about 1:00 p.m. on Friday, carrying 100 bags of charcoal. Authorities say the truck, driven by 40-year-old Masaba Sadati, was traveling from Kotido District to Mbale in violation of Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which bans the commercial trade of charcoal and other forest products from Karamoja.

The truck and the charcoal were handed over to the Iriiri Police Station as exhibits pending prosecution. In a separate operation on Friday morning, joint security forces impounded another Fuso truck, registration number UAX 492N, in Achegeretolim Village, Nabilatuk District.

The vehicle was reportedly transporting between 100 and 120 bags of charcoal. The driver was arrested and remains in custody awaiting further action. Mt. Moroto Regional Police spokesperson Mike Longole confirmed the incidents, saying the suspects will face charges related to the illegal transportation of charcoal.

Longole said Presidential Executive Order No. 3 was introduced to curb environmental degradation, protect fragile ecosystems, and dismantle illegal commercial networks linked to insecurity in the Karamoja sub-region. “Commercial charcoal trade from Karamoja remains banned. Security operations along key transit routes will continue to disrupt illicit networks profiting from environmental destruction,” Longole said.

He urged the public to support conservation efforts by reporting suspected illegal transportation of forest products to the police. Despite the ban, illegal charcoal burning and trade continue across Karamoja, where many households depend on charcoal production as a source of livelihood.

Security agencies have previously intercepted several trucks transporting charcoal from the region. In July 2023, authorities in Nakapiripirit District impounded a police truck allegedly transporting more than 70 bags of charcoal from the area to Mbale City despite the presidential directive.

Karamoja remains one of Uganda’s most environmentally fragile regions, with continued deforestation threatening water sources, livelihoods, and security.