Daniel Mugula
19/10/2026
KAMPALA, Uganda — Police have reassured charcoal dealers that the ongoing operation targeting the charcoal trade is not a nationwide exercise, urging those with concerns to remain calm and seek clarification through the appropriate channels.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the operation was being conducted in line with a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni, emphasising that security agencies were implementing decisions made by the relevant authorities rather than independently formulating policies.
Speaking to journalists on Monday at the Uganda Police Force headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Kituuma said his decision to inform the public about the operation was intended to prevent affected people from being caught off guard during enforcement exercises.
“I wanted to make sure that instead of people being ambushed or finding themselves in a corner of an operation, they are informed,” Kituuma said.
He explained that members of the public had previously questioned security agencies about why they were not informed before such operations, making advance communication important.
However, the police spokesperson expressed concern that his decision to notify the public had attracted criticism, despite his intention to keep those affected informed.
Kituuma also questioned why some objections were only emerging now, arguing that if the concerns were genuine, they should have been raised in 2023 when the relevant order was issued.
He nevertheless acknowledged that some people might have legitimate concerns, saying these could be addressed through established channels.
Kituuma was emphatic that the operation was not being conducted across the entire country, dismissing fears that charcoal dealers nationwide would be affected.
He stressed that security agencies were responsible for enforcing directives issued by the authorities legally empowered to make such decisions.
“We do not sit in our barracks and make laws or policies,” Kituuma said, explaining that security agencies implement decisions rather than independently determine government policy.
On reports concerning possible impoundments during the operation, Kituuma said he had not specifically followed up on the matter because his immediate priority had been to inform the public about the exercise.
He said he would seek clarification on whether any impoundments had been made.
The police spokesperson further revealed that the matter was expected to be discussed in Parliament, adding that security agencies would await feedback from the authorities responsible for issuing the directive.
As debate over the charcoal trade operation continues, Kituuma urged members of the public not to entertain unfounded fears, reiterating that the exercise was not nationwide and that genuine concerns should be raised through the appropriate institutions.
