Illegal charcoal trade shifts to boda boda and buses in Adjumani

ADJUMANI, January 6, 2025 — Charcoal traders in Adjumani district have resorted to using boda boda and buses to transport charcoal following a presidential ban on commercial charcoal trade in Northern Uganda. District leaders have issued stern warnings to Planet Bus Company, accusing it of facilitating the illegal transportation of charcoal out of the district.

Reports indicate that boda boda riders are transporting sacks of charcoal from burning sites to bus parks, where the charcoal is then loaded onto buses bound for other districts. This practice directly contravenes Presidential Directive No. 3, which prohibits the commercial trade of charcoal in the region.

Mr. John Sabuni, the Secretary for Health and a district councillor representing Arinyapi Subcounty, expressed grave concern over the ongoing illegal trade, particularly along the Elegu border with South Sudan. He criticised security forces for their failure to enforce the ban, which has resulted in significant revenue losses for the district.

“Every day, over 100 bags of charcoal cross the Tete Bridge into Elegu. We have immigration offices and police stationed there 24/7, yet these tricycles pass through without question. How much revenue are we losing as a district because of this?” Sabuni asked.

Ben Anyama, the District LCV Chairman, issued a strong warning to Planet Bus Company and reminded the District Police Commander to enforce the directive. He also urged boda boda riders to stop transporting charcoal to the bus parks.

“I am warning bus operators, particularly Planet Bus. I also demand that the DPC ensure strict adherence to the Presidential directives. Despite the ban, Planet Bus continues to carry charcoal brought by boda bodas. This must stop. No charcoal movement is allowed. Any boda boda caught transporting charcoal should be arrested and prosecuted,” Anyama stated firmly.

Adjumani Resident District Commissioner, Peter Taban Data, acknowledged the ongoing violations and explained how traders had adapted their methods to circumvent the law. He cautioned boda boda riders against engaging in the illegal trade, warning of severe consequences.

“Charcoal traders have changed tactics. They now use motorcycles and tricycles to transport charcoal to Elegu, where it is loaded onto lorries and falsely labelled as originating from South Sudan. Planet Bus has also been implicated in transporting charcoal brought by motorcycles. If this continues, you risk losing your motorcycle or the charcoal,” Taban warned.

Presidential Executive Order No. 3, issued on 19th May 2023, banned all charcoal burning and trade in Northern and North Eastern Uganda, including the Karamoja, Teso, Lango, Acholi, and West Nile regions. While the directive aims to combat environmental degradation, the persistence of the illegal trade highlights the need for stricter enforcement and accountability to uphold the ban.

https://thecooperator.news/nfa-ready-to-sell-impounded-charcoal/

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