Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has distanced the Uganda Police Force from the renewed enforcement of the charcoal ban in northern Uganda, Karamoja and Teso, saying officers are implementing a directive issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Rusoke’s remarks come amid concerns over the restrictions on charcoal burning and commercial trade, with police insisting that they should not be blamed for a decision they did not make.
Rusoke explained that the enforcement is based on a presidential directive issued in May 2023, which prohibits charcoal burning and commercial charcoal trade in West Nile, northern Uganda, Karamoja and the Teso sub-region. He emphasised that the restrictions are not intended to cover the entire country, dismissing fears that the ban applies to all regions of Uganda.
The police spokesperson’s statement places responsibility for the policy decision on the President, while identifying the police as the institution tasked with implementing it. His remarks appear intended to clarify the role of law enforcement officers amid renewed attention to the restrictions and their impact on people involved in the charcoal business.
Charcoal remains an important source of cooking fuel for many households in Uganda, while its production and sale provide income for traders, transporters and other people involved in the supply chain. Restrictions on the trade can therefore affect livelihoods, particularly in communities where charcoal production and distribution are important economic activities.
The renewed enforcement also brings attention to the environmental concerns associated with charcoal burning. The cutting down of trees for charcoal production can contribute to deforestation, soil degradation and the loss of natural vegetation. Measures restricting the trade are often linked to efforts to protect forests and address environmental damage.
However, the geographical scope of the directive is central to Rusoke’s clarification. According to his statement, the restrictions apply to West Nile, northern Uganda, Karamoja and Teso, rather than automatically extending to every part of the country. Traders and residents will therefore be watching for further clarification on how the directive is being implemented in the affected areas.
Rusoke’s remarks also raise questions about how enforcement will be conducted and what measures will be taken against people found violating the restrictions. Clear communication about the directive, its geographical coverage and the applicable enforcement procedures will be important in helping residents understand their obligations.
As the police continue implementing the presidential directive, the debate surrounding the charcoal ban is likely to focus on balancing environmental protection with the economic needs of affected communities. For now, Rusoke’s position is that police are carrying out an existing presidential order, not independently introducing a nationwide charcoal ban.
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