Two traffic police officers in Agago District are in the spotlight for corruption and bribery.
Richard Ahebwa and Godfrey Bamulanga, both attached to Patongo Central Police Station are accused of escorting trucks carrying charcoal in disregard of an Executive Order that banned the cutting of trees for charcoal burning, as well as trading in charcoal in the area.
Agago District Speaker Bosco Koko Accused says the duo connives with commercial charcoal dealers and gives them escorts from Agago up to the Lango sub-region, and station at strategic sections of various roads, with the intent to extort money from motorists.
Joseph Otim, the vice chairperson of Agago district boda-boda Association said that Bamulanga started escorting trucks of charcoal last year when the district restricted the transportation of charcoal without a permit. Otim also accused Bamulanga of aiding several commercial charcoal dealers to enter the district.
The complaints were raised during a visit to the district by Cyprian Okino, the Deputy Police Commissioner of Community Policing. Okino directed the regional Police Commander to act and bring all errant officers to book.
Rwot Kasimiro Ongom, the Chief of Patongo Clan who has been spearheading a campaign against cutting trees for charcoal says that up to eight trucks have been impounded while transporting charcoal. since the President issued the Executive Order on May 19.
Ongom adds that the Executive Order has also not deterred the commercial charcoal dealers as the business is still booming in Adilang, Lirakato, Wol, Kuywee, and Lukole sub-counties.
Grace Freedom Kwinyuciny, the State Minister for Northern Uganda said the commercial charcoal dealers are now hiding in the national forests and government ranches. She says they are going to increase security in the ranches such as Aswa and Maruzi, as mounting roadblocks is not helping much.
URN.