The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force today distributed more than 1,500 bags of impounded charcoal free of charge to residents of Anaka Town Council and Anaka Sub-county in Nwoya District.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts to combat the illegal charcoal trade and enforce Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which aims to protect the environment from destruction caused by illegal charcoal production.
Security officials said the distribution is intended to discourage illegal charcoal activities while encouraging communities to support efforts to conserve the environment.
Authorities also warned that individuals involved in the illegal charcoal trade will continue to face legal action, including prosecution in courts of law.
The UPDF and Police reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing environmental protection measures and called on the public to provide information that can help curb the illegal charcoal business and safeguard the country's natural resources.
The owners of the impounded charcoal were handed over to the Nwoya District Police Commander for prosecution.
The distribution exercise was conducted in collaboration with local government leaders and senior officers from the Uganda Police Force and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
