The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has arrested seven foreign nationals in connection with illegal sand mining activities in the Lwera Wetland, located in Kalungu District.
The operation, which commenced during the night along Kampala-Masaka Road, also led to the impoundment of 13 Sinotruk lorries and four excavators, along with other equipment.
In a similar operation in April this year, NEMA had halted all illegal sand mining activities in Lwera and tasked the miners to restore the degraded part of the wetland. This restoration exercise is part of NEMA’s ongoing efforts to protect Uganda’s wetlands and other fragile ecosystems.
Investigations into the recent arrests are nearing conclusion, and the suspects will be charged in accordance with the law. Wetland degradation is a crime under Section 55 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, and is punishable by a fine not exceeding UGX 600 million or imprisonment not exceeding 12 years, or both.
This operation is one of a series of actions by NEMA aimed at preserving the country’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable environmental practices.
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