Africa ( Commonwealth Union ) _ Reformed members of a sizable and well-organized syndicate that specialized in illegal charcoal burning, logging, and the smuggling of forest products in the Kyotera and Rakai districts of SouthWestern Uganda are coming up with various plans to make amends with their communities and atone for their past transgressions.
The group of 15 people (so far) feels that despite their infamous actions, it is still possible for them to recognize the need of protecting forests and wildlife and to campaign for various environmental reforms.The reformed members argue that there is no reason to be concerned if they are acting on the most essential cause, despite the fact that their brave decision to leave may result in resentful reactions from their previous “cartel” supervisors and increase enemies.
The group is dedicated to making a difference through Mpawu Briquettes Ltd., a Community-Based Organization (CBO) created in Mpawu village, Kasaali town council, Kyotera District, under the direction of Sadick Katende, a former charcoal burner.In addition to making briquettes, the group engages in community outreach initiatives like tree planting every two months and cross-border interactions with Tanzanian colleagues.
The union members have told Insight Post-Uganda that the majority of their nefarious activities took place in the neighbourhoods close to the Uganda-Tanzania border. They consist of the Kyotera district’s Namalala, Minziro, Kyebe, Kakuuto, and Katuuma villages, as well as the Rakai district’s Kamuli and Ntantamuchi villages.
If the government provides briquette producers with more support, markets their goods, and informs the public about the benefits of using briquettes as an alternative fuel source, people will be less likely to cut down trees and use charcoal generated from them. Nonetheless, Katende advises that “empowering briquette producers and encouraging additional charcoal burners to join the briquette initiatives is the sure method to save forests and protect the environment.”
