ABIM – The Resident District Commissioner Abim district in Karamoja sub region Mr. Samuel Hasahaka Mpimbaza has said that he turned down Shs5m offered to him by a group of charcoal traders whom he arrested with their Fuso lorry full of charcoal bags.
The loaded Fuso lorry registration number UBE 953R was intercepted with three dealers on Tuesday, April 21 when the latter allegedly tried to give an offer Shs5m to RDC to release them to transport their charcoal.
It is said that its the second time Mr. Hasahaka turning down bribe in fortnight.
Mr. Hasakah speaking to PML Daily said the lorry full of charcoal was coming from Alio village in Akokobot parish Apeitolim Sub County in Napak district heading to Kampala via Abim district.
“They wanted to give me Shs5m but am paid by the president, why should someone come with his bribes, the President is very clear on the environment protection and we shall hard to protect it,” he said.
Three charcoal traders were handed over to the police to proceed with the file.
The 2015 National Charcoal Survey for Uganda showed that vegetation cover significantly reduced from 45 percent in 1890 to about to 11.7 percent in 2013 due to the ever increasing pressure and demand exerted by the rapid population growth and economic activities.
Kenya’s forest cover is rated at 5.3 per cent. Between 1990 and 2000, Kenya lost an average of 12,600 hectares of forest per year.
