Uganda: Gov’t Bans Charcoal Production In A Bid To Protect Environment

Uganda has banned charcoal production and business in the North and North-Eastern part of the country.

This directive was contained in Executive Order Number 3 of 2023 dated May 19, which the state house made public on Wednesday.

According to a report by Uganda-based Monitor, the regions where the ban applies are Karamoja, Tesco, Lango, Acholi and West Nile where security forces especially commanders of Uganda People’s Defence Forces, are accused of aiding destroyers of the environment by guarding charcoal producers and transporters.

“In order to save the environment and also the reputation of the NRM, I, therefore, hereby ban the cutting of trees for charcoal burning,” President Yoweri Museveni stated in the order, citing extinction threats to valued Shea-butter trees according to Monitor.

The ban on charcoal production has been welcomed by some Members of Parliament and environmentalists.

Source: https://energynewsafrica.com