By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) in collaboration with Uganda Police and Environmental Protection Force has arrested nine Chinese nationals for degrading a wetland in Mpigi District.
The 9 were arrested in an operation that was effected at about 2:00AM Tuesday, 14th January, 2025.
The suspects have been degrading the wetland through illegal sand mining, backfilling, sand degrading and blocking of water flow in River Katonga in Rwamanya Village, Mpigi District.
Their arrest followed a compliance operation mounted by the Environmental Protection Force under NEMA together with sister agencies including Ministry of Water.
The arrested suspects belong to EDCOP International Co Ltd which was initially granted a mining license in 2020 by the previous NEMA administration and a one Unlicenmsed Company belonging to a one Liling and Thei.
According to NEMA, whereas EDCOP was granted a mining license on 3.8 acres of land, it breached the terms of the agreement and encroached on more 10 acres.
They backfilled banks of River Katonga and part of the River and created illegal access roads into R. Katonga.
Three Wheel Loaders, 8 Sino Trucks, 4 Excavators, Dredger Engines and One Bulldozer were impounded and are currently being kept at Nkozi Police Station.
They will be required to restore the degraded wetland, pay Shs600Million or be imprisoned to 15 years.
