Adjumani burns over 300 bags of charcoal as Police clarifies ban

Security officers in the Adjumani District have burned over 300 bags of seized charcoal found in Ayiri Central Village, Ayiril Parish, Ukusijoni Sub-county, as authorities intensify efforts to curb deforestation.

The charcoal, which was reportedly intended for transportation by truck, was destroyed under the supervision of Resident District Commissioner Swaib Toko.

Meanwhile, Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has clarified that the commercial charcoal ban applies to West Nile, Northern Uganda, KaramojaTeso sub-regions, following confusion and protests from traders over enforcement.

The destruction has sparked debate over whether burning seized charcoal is an effective long-term solution since it does not restore the trees already cut down.

Critics argue that enforcement should be accompanied by sustainable alternatives, including licensed charcoal from planted woodlots, affordable cooking briquettes and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), particularly in refugee-hosting communities where demand for cooking fuel remains high.

They also call for regular publication of seizure and tree-replanting figures to help assess whether the measures are reducing forest loss.

While authorities seek to protect the environment, questions remain about how the country can balance forest conservation, household energy needs, and development projects that also put pressure on forests.