Uganda’s efforts to curb deforestation have hit a roadblock, despite President Yoweri Museveni’s executive order banning commercial charcoal production in Northern Uganda. The directive, signed in May 2023, aimed to protect the country’s dwindling forest cover, but charcoal production continues unabated in districts like Adjumani.
The National Forestry Authority blames the Apaa land conflict for escalating impunity in charcoal production. The conflict has led to a wave of migration, with thousands entering the forest under the guise of agriculture, only to cut down trees. Resolving this conflict is crucial to stopping deforestation.
Adjumani district has lost over 2,000 acres of private natural forest to charcoal burning in the last decade. Francis Ojja, the district’s forest officer, notes that between 2011 and 2016, 500.8 acres were lost, increasing to 688.5 acres between 2019 and 2023. By 2024’s end, an estimated 802.6 acres will be lost.
Charcoal production has become a lucrative business, with 70% of the district’s charcoal exported to neighboring countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, this has not translated into local revenue since the presidential directive.
The district’s revenue collection has dropped drastically, affecting council activities and welfare. Officials are exploring alternative revenue sources, such as sustainable agriculture, tourism, and market dues.
Local communities rely heavily on charcoal production, with many rural families depending on it as their sole source of income. Jacqueline Atimaku, a charcoal burner, explains that she harvests four sacks of charcoal from one tree, selling each sack for Shs25,000.
To deter illicit trade, the army has increased patrols and spot checks, impounding thousands of sacks of charcoal. Recommendations include baseline studies, reforestation efforts, and promoting alternative fuel sources like biogas, solar energy, and briquettes.
The National Forest Authority, in partnership with the UNHCR, aims to plant 500 acres of trees. The Food and Agriculture Organization has established sustainable woodlots and efficient charcoal production kilns while promoting cleaner energy alternatives.
Uganda’s struggle against deforestation serves as a lesson for international communities tackling environmental degradation. Effective solutions require addressing underlying conflicts, engaging local communities, and promoting sustainable practices.