Turns of charcoal has been impounded by the UPDF. The charcoal comes from Zoka forest while others pass through Atiak. At Akurukwe, we intercepted
Two were driven to 4th. division head quarters to Amuru District and three are packed near Akurukwe police post.
At Amuru district, about 20000 bags have been impounded and kept in Amuru district headquarters.
In Zoka close to three thousand bags were impounded.
The owners are charcoal dealers who come from all over Uganda to trade on charcoal business.
The dealers being aware of the Presidential Executive order admitted that they violated the presidential order because of lack of jobs and there had to fend for their family.
They are pleading with the gov’t to let them sell the charcoal which has been held in these areas so that they recover their loan money and quit the business.
According to sources on the ground, it’s not only the locals who trade on the business but foreigners from Democratic Republic of Congo as well among others.
Others are clearing the forest to start up agriculture.
Most affected is Kilak CFR, the only one of the 6 Central forest reserves with some good forest cover, but is also under threat now and though it’s under the NFA security.
While the same plunder is ongoing on got Gweno Central Forest Reserve. Trees cleared for agriculture and charcoal.
Among the trees cut down is the precious Vitalleria paradoxa (the shear nut tree cut down in Atiak, okidi and stacked ready to be converted into charcoal.
The communities are happy about the new move made by the UPDF