By Our Reporter
MAYUGE
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has today, Tuesday 21st April, conducted an intelligence-led operation in Nduwa Village, Bumwena Parish, Malongo Sub County in Mayuge District.
Working with Environment Police, UPDF and Ministry of Water and Environment, the team uncovered illegal sand mining using excavators without a valid Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Certificate as required by the law.
According to NEMA’s statement, the joint Team found three excavators and two lorries at the site with the team impounding two excavators and the two trucks. The third excavator remained at the site due to a mechanical fault.
All vehicles were taken to Lubigi Police Station for safe custody as investigations.
The operation follows two earlier ones where culprits were arrested and fined after whistleblowers tipped the Inspector General of Government about the illegal activity at the site.
“NEMA reiterates that all sand mining activities must comply with environmental laws including obtaining the necessary approvals,” reads NEMA’s statement.
Under the National Environment Act Cap. 181, it is an offence to undertake activities such as sand mining without prior environmental approval. Offenders are liable upon conviction to significant penalties including fines of up to Shs600M and or imprisonment of up to 12 years or both.
