KAMPALA — Police have intensified efforts to curb the illegal exploitation of forest resources, warning that all those involved in the charcoal trade chain will be targeted following a security operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects in the Madi Okollo sub-region.
Speaking at the weekly security briefing at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the joint security operation was aimed at stopping illegal charcoal burning in West Nile and neighboring regions.
Rusoke said police are particularly concerned about illegal charcoal production in Lango, Acholi and West Nile, urging the public to support efforts to protect forest resources.
"We call upon the public to support the efforts being put in place against the illegal exploitation of forest resources. We will target the entire chain of operators involved from production, transportation and trade," Rusoke said.
He also appealed to Ugandans to remain peaceful, lawful and orderly during the Local Council elections scheduled for Tuesday, July 28.
Rusoke warned that police would not tolerate intimidation, threats, tampering with voting materials or any attempts to obstruct the electoral process.
"All illegal actions from the public shall attract a reaction from the security forces. We urge the public to respect the Electoral Commission timetable and candidates should not hold campaigns and processions on voting day," he said.
On crime prevention, Rusoke said police operations targeting phone theft and snatching in Kampala North, Kampala East and Kampala South had yielded significant results between July 13 and July 26.
According to him, 1,711 suspects were arrested during the operations. Of these, 120 were released on police bond, 503 were cautioned and 954 were taken to court.
"We are working on a process to link victims to exhibits. Soon enough, we will be able to track down the people who might have lost these gadgets and then return the lost items to them," Rusoke said.
He warned those involved in phone theft and snatching that police would continue pursuing and prosecuting offenders while encouraging members of the public to report such crimes.
Rusoke also commended Ugandans for participating in the National Cleaning Day exercise held on July 25.
Responding to concerns about allegations of excessive force by some police officers during the exercise, he said the force would review the conduct of the personnel involved to improve future operations.
"We apologise for all that did not go well but, as you know, first times can tend to be challenging. We have noted all issues and we can only promise to do better going forward," Rusoke said.
