Exif_JPEG_420
By Okidi Patrick
Over 1,000 Vulnerable Women in Lira Benefit as UPDF Distributes Impounded Charcoal.
LIRA, UGANDA – November 25, 2025 – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 5th Infantry Division marked a significant step in the enforcement of environmental protection laws this week, distributing a massive haul of impounded charcoal to over 1,000 vulnerable women in Lira City.
The disposal exercise, led by the 5th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, took place at the 103 Brigade base in Lira City. The charcoal was confiscated from approximately 120 trucks seized for violating Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which bans commercial charcoal production and trade in Northern Uganda.
Maj. Gen. Katungyi explained that the decision to give the charcoal directly to vulnerable women—including market vendors, and wives of police and prison staff—was intended to benefit the community while simultaneously discouraging illegal trade.
“Over the years, we intercepted these trucks and parked them for a month or two to stop the appetite for transporting charcoal,” Katungyi told the media. “Today, we have decided to call the vulnerable women in the cities, particularly women in Lira City, and give back to them.”
He issued a stern warning on Executive Order No. 3 predicting that the exercise or operation will cover the whole country in the near future .
During the handover ceremony, Maj. Gen. Katungyi issued a strong warning to individuals still engaging in the illicit charcoal business, particularly those attempting to operate across borders.
He emphasized that the UPDF would not spare those violating the directives issued by H.E. President Yoweri Museveni.
“When we started implementing Executive Order No. 3 as per the presidential directive, those making illegal charcoal trade ran to Zoka forest and others ran to South Sudan,” Katungyi narrated. “Although we don’t have jurisdiction to operate there in Juba, South Sudan, we are still in the same ecosystem.”
The commander highlighted that Uganda has lost significant forest cover, noting that the country had lost over 60 percent of its forest cover since 1960, underscoring the urgency of the environmental protection measures.
The implementation of Executive Order No. 3 officially kicked off following concerns raised during the President’s visit to Baralegi on May 19, 2023. The focus was initially placed on stopping the illegal cutting of traditional Shea nut trees, which are vital resources for communities in Northern Uganda.
The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira, Lawrence Emmy Whole, commended the 5th Division Commander and the UPDF in general for their diligence in executing the presidential order. The RCC noted that the meeting between regional leaders and the President in Baralegi in 2023 was the catalyst for the order.
“Some of the culprits of illegal charcoal trade have their shield in South Sudan,” the RCC observed, but praised Maj. Gen. Katungyi and the UPDF for implementing the directive “without any corruption.”
The Public Information Officer (PIO), of 5th Division, Capt.Ibrahim Kasule Sekitto, commended the 5th Infantry Division commander, Maj.Gen.Keith Katungyi ,for giving back to the Community espicially the vulnerable women in Lira city, saying illegal charcoal business as per the presidential directive have been implemented correctly as expected thanking the 5th Division Commander for the operation conducted the last two years.
Akello Anna, a 50-year-old market vendor who received a portion of the impounded charcoal, expressed gratitude toward the swift enforcement action.
“Museveni has deployed a very hard-working UPDF officer called Maj Gen Keith Katungyi who should continue to command the 5th Division area,” Akello stated, reflecting widespread satisfaction with the military’s firm stance against deforestation.T
The 5th Infantry Division’s extensive operational area covers a large portion of Northern Uganda, including Lamwo, Kitgum, Pader, Agago, Abim, Lira City, Lira District, Amolatar, Kole, Oyam, Otuke, Alebtong, Apac, and Kwania Districts. The successful interception and charitable disposal of 120 truckloads of charcoal signal the UPDF’s commitment to maintaining environmental integrity across this vast region.
About the Author
