Kijani Forestry Limited, a social enterprise working to combat climate change says it is engaging government through the ministry of energy and mineral development for authorization to start burning charcoal sustainably.
Kijani has since 2020 engaged 65,000 small holder farmers in 30 districts of Acholi, Lango, Bunyoro and parts of Karamoja to farm trees for charcoal which is now ready for burning.
However, an existing executive order number 3 issued by President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023 banning commercial charcoal production has made it hard for the company to start burning charcoal.
The executive order followed concerns by key leaders over the depleted forests cut down for charcoal, firewood and timber.
David Labeja, the head of communications at Kijani says that once government gives them permission to produce the charcoal, they will establish warehouses across sub counties where the charcoal will be stored before being repackaged for sale in quantities as little as 5 kilograms.
Labeja says the charcoal they will produce will be of high quality and will be accessible everywhere including at supermarkets.
By Justine Muboka
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