Atkinson Ojara, the Lamogi Sub-County Chairperson says there is a need to streamline the crackdown to focus on stopping large-scale charcoal production instead of banning charcoal production completely without giving locals other energy alternatives for home use.
Prosecution told court that the suspects and others still at large on November 23 2023 entered upon the cattle farm in possession of Rutomol Enoc with intent to intimidate, insult or annoy the farm owner.
Maj. Turyamumanya notes that during this period, they are encouraging the cattle keepers who are unable to fence off their land and meet all their requirements to voluntarily leave or face forceful expulsion.
The resolution by the leaders cancels all illegal sales of land to the cattle keepers and all land titles and leases illegally issued the "balaalo", in addition to instituting stringent measures to prevent easy land acquisition.
They were charged with two counts of illegal transportation of forest produce contrary to sections 32 (1), (a), and sections 34 (1) & (2) of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003. The other charge is the illegal transportation and trade in Forest products (charcoal) contrary to Executive Order No 3 issued by President Yoweri Museveni on May 19 this year.