The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani, Taban Peter, has confirmed that a trailer loaded with charcoal, which overturned recently, is currently in the custody of the police in Adjumani district. Speaking to the Ankole Times newspaper, RDC Taban Peter clarified, “The issue is with the police, not me.”
On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 21st of November 2023, the incident occurred in Pakele trading center, Adjumani district, involving a trailer transporting charcoal. Despite the Presidential directive against commercial charcoal, the trailer, lacking a visible number, overturned. At the time of compiling this report, the driver’s identity remains unknown.
The Regional Police Commander of North West Nile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Asiimwe, when contacted by our reporter on the phone on Tuesday evening, stated that he was not aware of the incident and therefore could not comment on the matter.
President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta’s executive order regarding commercial charcoal is expected to be implemented as per the policy and guidelines in place.
This newspaper will continue to provide updates on how the impounded numberless trailer vehicle, carrying illegal commercial charcoal, will be handled in accordance with the presidential directive, according to authorities in Adjumani district.
Jane, a 34-year-old resident of Pakele, who spoke to our reporter, emphasized that if the driver has indeed been arrested and taken to Adjumani CPS, he should be handled legally. She added that, to demonstrate seriousness about presidential directives, the driver should be taken to jail for defying the executive order, and this should be publicized in the media, including newspapers and TV stations. Failure to do so might provoke demonstrations from the Wanahinci in Adjumani district.
Conversely, a 68-year-old Mzee from Pakele trading center, who preferred anonymity, suggested that the police should present the suspect of the numberless vehicle carrying the impounded charcoal in court. Failing to do so might lead to the distribution of the charcoal among the locals.
He expressed concern that some presidential directives are not being respected and implemented properly due to suspected corruption, conspiracy among local leaders in some districts, and negligence from implementing authorities such as RDC, LCV, and DPC or DISO.
