By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
The National Environment Management Authority has launched the Environment Protection Force (EPF).
Environment Protection Force is a fully-uniformed Paramilitary Force that will enforce environment laws across the country.
According to Section 25 of the National Environment Act No.5 of 2019, NEMA is required to establish the EPF to enforce the provisions of the ACT.
Among its key functions will be to monitor and enforce compliance with environment laws, undertake 24 hour surveillance of environment, Arrest any person who is believed to have committed or is in the process of committing an offence under the National Environment Act, 2019.
The Force will also prosecute environment crimes subject to the directions of Director Public Prosecutions.
The Force was officially launched at Mafudu, Sironko District by The President who was represented by PM Robinah Nabbanja on World Environment Day earlier this week.
According to a statement released today Friday, 7th June 2024 by NEMA, the EPF will work in conjunction with Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority, UPDF and the Intelligence Community.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar passed out 2000 environmental protection force unit personnel in Sironko on Wednesday, 5th June 2024. The EPF was trained by Uganda Police Force.
Anywar revealed that the personnel were picked from retired UPDF and police force officers and will be deployed countrywide to enforce environment laws.
