By Ismail Bategeka
www.mknewslink.com
In Kampala—-
KAMPALA — Charcoal traders in Kampala have appealed to the government to open dialogue over restrictions on charcoal trade, saying the enforcement campaign has left them worried about their livelihoods, debts and the future of their businesses.
The traders say they understand the need to protect forests and address environmental degradation, but argue that authorities should engage them on how the business can be regulated without abruptly disrupting their sources of income.
Mr Musa Kagoro, a charcoal trader in Kampala, said he was disappointed by the enforcement measures because he had already invested borrowed money in the business before the latest warning by security agencies.
“We are disappointed because we had already stocked charcoal using money we borrowed. We expected to sell our stock, repay the loans and continue supporting our families. Now we are worried about how we shall recover the money if we cannot sell the charcoal,” Mr Kagoro said.
He said some traders operate with limited capital and depend on daily sales to repay lenders, pay rent and meet household expenses. According to him, a sudden interruption of their business could leave them struggling to meet their financial obligations.
Mr Kagoro appealed to the government to consider traders who had already purchased stock before the latest enforcement warning, while making clear rules for future operations.
He said traders needed guidance on the legal requirements for buying, transporting and selling charcoal, rather than being left uncertain about whether their stock or vehicles could be impounded.
Mr Henry Musasizi, another charcoal trader, said he wanted the government to hold discussions with those involved in the trade to establish how the business could operate within the law.
“We want dialogue with the government so that we can agree on the best way our charcoal business can operate. We understand that the government wants to protect the environment, but we also need to understand what is permitted and what is prohibited,” Mr Musasizi said.
He said engagement could help authorities distinguish between traders willing to comply with environmental regulations and those involved in prohibited activities.
Mr Musasizi added that traders needed clear information about the origin of charcoal, the documentation required during transportation and the areas from which it could legally be sourced.
He said a predictable regulatory framework would help traders make informed business decisions and avoid investing money in stock they might later be unable to transport or sell.
Mr Alfred Atugamba, another charcoal trader, said traders were not opposed to the government’s efforts to protect the environment but wanted their businesses regularised.
“We are not against the government ban. We want the government to work with us and show us how to regularise our businesses. If there are rules we must follow, let them be clearly explained so that we can operate within the law,” Mr Atugamba said.
He said traders were willing to discuss possible requirements, including documentation of charcoal sources and compliance with applicable transport and trading regulations.
Mr Atugamba said charcoal remained an important source of income for people involved in purchasing, transporting and selling it. He appealed to authorities to consider the economic consequences of enforcement while maintaining the objective of protecting forests.
The traders’ concerns come as security agencies intensify enforcement of Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued by President Yoweri Museveni to curb charcoal burning and trade in Northern Uganda, West Nile, Karamoja and the Teso sub-region.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke has warned that enforcement is targeting not only commercial dealers but also people transporting small quantities of charcoal for domestic use if the charcoal originates from areas covered by the directive.
“We are not targeting only those doing commercial charcoal selling but also those carrying single bags for domestic use. As long as the charcoal is coming from Northern Uganda,” Mr Rusoke said.
In a statement on recent operations, police said security teams recovered 260 bags of charcoal in Amuru District following operations conducted on October 6, 2026, in Pabbo Town Council, Opara Sub-county and Atiak Town Council. The operations included the impounding of a vehicle carrying 26 bags and the arrest of its driver and conductor.
In Pakwach District, police said another 15 bags were seized during a joint security operation along the Pakwach–Nebbi road in Alwi Sub-county on October 10. The two operations resulted in the recovery of 275 bags and the arrest of two suspects, according to police.
Security agencies say the restrictions are intended to protect forests and curb environmental damage associated with charcoal production and transportation. The latest warning also cautions motorists returning to Kampala against carrying charcoal from restricted areas, even in small quantities.
