{UAH} FINALLY TWO YEARS LATER!

Members,

Two years ago I was sneered at and scoffed at when i suggested that one of the benefits of federalism is that decision on issues facing local areas is made but locally; in reference to tree felling in the north for makaa or makalaa to be sold in the south. The effect is devasting on our land in the north. I am glad that the officials have finally acted upon my plea. The only problem now is enforcing, besides creation of illegal channel. 

In a federal arrangement, a ban would mean a ban and enforcing it much easier. Now what we have to deal with, is the illegal channel which means bribery at the top simply because people in the south have to this day failed to invent any other ways of cooking without using makalaa. It simply defies logic when Mulindwa wants others to believe different. 

Gulu leaders slap ban on commercial tree cutting

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A trader loads charcoal onto a truck in Nwoya district recently. PHOTO BY JAMES OWICH 

By JAMES OWICH

Posted  Friday, January 8  2016 at  02:00

IN SUMMARY

Destruction. District authorities say booming charcoal business is posing a threat to the environment

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Gulu.

Gulu District authorities have imposed a temporary ban on commercial tree cutting following a worrying trend in depleting natural forests.

Ms Dorothy Ajwang, the chief administrative officer Gulu, said on Tuesday that the ban will take immediate effect and will last for a month before they can consider suspending it.

She explained that the decision was reached after they registered increasing cases of indiscriminate tree cutting by commercial charcoal dealers mostly from the central region.
"Following increased deforestation, we have decided to halt the dangerous trend in order to protect the environment," said Ms Ajwang in an interview.

She said they will first streamline the commercial activities such as the extraction of timber and charcoal before lifting the ban.
Areas where indiscriminate tree cutting has been taking place are Paicho, Lalogi, Ongako and Odek sub-counties in Gulu District.

The district forestry officer, Mr Samuel Abwola, noted that there is need to protect forests from being wiped out by commercial charcoal traders. 
Mr Abwola said such activities are in contravention of the National Forestry Act (2003).

He explained that every day; at least four fuso trucks loaded with bags of charcoal leave Gulu for the central region.
Ms Franchesca Atto, the district environment officer, welcomed the ban, saying it will protect the vegetation cover. 
"Currently, the rain cycle in the district is poor and this is a clear indication that the vegetation cover has been destroyed," Ms Atto said.

Tolerance is a stage in civilisation!

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