Ker Kwaro Acholi, the Acholi cultural institution has strongly condemned what it described as uncontrolled and unsustainable exploitation of forests resources.
In a press release on Wednesday signed by the Prime Minister, Ambrose Olaa, the institution said Acholiland is experiencing unprecedented destruction of its environment especially its forest resources.
The statement said large tracks of land have been laid bare as trees are indiscriminately cut for charcoal, something the institution described as destructive.
It accordingly urged for local governments in the Acholi sub region to urgently stop the inconsiderate exploitation of forests.
The institution is also demanding those involved in the destruction of forests should be prosecuted in the courts of law.
Rwot David Onen Acana II, the Acholi Paramount Chief described forest as part of heritage of the Acholi as tribe and urged the population to rise against those destroying them.
Early this month, Gulu District authorities imposed a temporary ban on commercial tree cutting following a worrying trend in depleting natural forests.
Dorothy Ajwang, the chief administrative officer Gulu, said that the ban would take immediate effect, and will last for a month before they can consider suspending it.
Ajwang explained that the decision was reached after they registered increasing cases of indiscriminate tree cutting by commercial charcoal dealers mostly from the central region.
The CAO says they have decided to halt the dangerous trend in order to protect the environment.
Areas where indiscriminate tree cutting has been rampant are Paicho, Lalogi, Ongako and Odek sub-counties in Gulu District.
The district forestry officer, Samuel Abwola, noted that there is need to protect forests from being wiped out by commercial charcoal traders.
Abwola said such activities are in contravention of the National Forestry Act (2003).
He explained that every day atleast four big trucks loaded with bags of charcoal leave Gulu for the central region.
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There is actually a way of managing forests such that you can balance the cuting of trees with planting and maintaining a healthy biosphere.