NEMA Arrests Seven Foreigners Over Illegal Sand Mining In Lwera Wetland, Impounds 13 Sinotruk, Excavators

National Environment Management Authority(NEMA) has mounted an opereation on illegal mining of sand from Lwera wetland along Kampala Masaka road, Karungu district where they have arrested Seveni foreign nationals and impounded 13 Sinotruk lorries and 4 excavators used for the illegal sand mining.

According to NEMA statement released today, the operation is part of the several operations currently ongoiing acress the country to restore wetlands from the enchroachers.

NEMA says that all investigations are being concluded and now taking the suspects to court to be charged in accordance with the law.

It should be noted that Wetland degradation is criminal under section 55 of the National Environment Act Cap 181 and is punishable with a fine not exceeding Shs600million or imprisonment not exceeding 12 years or both.

Last month, the environmental body demolished 214 houses in the ongoing exercise to evict people from the Lubigi catchment area in the areas of Nansana, Wakiso district.

NEMA also warned of severe consequences if wetlands are not conserved.

Nema Executive Director Dr Akankwasa Barirega told media that, the restoration now stands at 20% intends to have at least 1526 acres of the degraded wetland restored in areas of Bwaise, Busega,Kyengera Among other areas in the country.

Over 1000 illegal occupants of the wetland mainly homestead have so far been evicted since the beginning of the exercise .