Police have clarified that the ongoing operation targeting the charcoal trade is not being conducted nationwide, seeking to ease concerns among dealers who fear being affected by the enforcement exercise.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the operation is limited to areas covered by a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni, emphasizing that security agencies are implementing decisions made by the relevant authorities.
Speaking to journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, Rusoke said he issued the clarification to inform the public and ensure that affected charcoal dealers were not caught off guard by the operation.
He urged individuals with genuine concerns about the exercise to seek clarification through established channels, questioning why objections were only emerging now when the relevant directive was issued in 2023.
Rusoke also revealed that Parliament was expected to discuss the matter, adding that police would seek clarification regarding reports of impoundments linked to the ongoing operation.
The clarification comes amid concerns from charcoal dealers over the enforcement exercise and its implications for those operating in the affected areas.
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