Joseph Onegiu, the Labala Parish Vice Chairperson revealed that the suspects had been operating illegal roadblocks for some time, extorting money from illegal dealers.
Onek Atunya Javis, 82, an elder in the area, says that the government's decision is wrong and will affect the growth and development of the area. He maintains that Apaa Township is Acholi`s ancestral land and has neither been a game reserve nor a forest reserve.
Drani claims that he has obtained information that NFA personnel deployed in the area are offering protection to dealers who come from as far as Rwanda, Congo, and parts of central Uganda to cut trees from Zoka forest, which is the country`s only tropical rainforest.
Richard Atube, who had already planted crops including soybeans, millet, beans, groundnuts and maize is equally puzzled by the persistent dryness, which has adversely affected the growth of his crops.
Anthony Ocaya, the Apaa Township LC II Chairperson told URN that a scuffle ensued after security rejected the demands by traders prompting residents to pelt them with stones claiming that they were segregating between the Acholis and Madi.
Our reporter saw many other charcoal camps scattered across the area. The illegal dealers told URN on Wednesday that they are from Eastern and Central Uganda and are buying each tree from the residents at Shillings 8,000 to burn for charcoal.
