By Our Reporter
BULAMBULI
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has arrested a Chinese National for alleged rice growing in a protected Ngenge-Atari-Sipi- Sironko Wetland System.
The arrest of the investor (names withheld) was effected on 21st April, 2026 in an operation in which NEMA stopped severe wetland degradation in Bulambuli District targeting illegal activities by Great River Technologies Limited within the Ngenge-Atari-Sipi Sironko Wetland System.
According to NEMA, Great River Technologies Limited was unlawfully farming rice and Chilli in the protected wetland and in the process excavated over 15km of diversion channels, and the illegal diversion of River Sironko, degrading about 2,000 acres of the critical ecosystem.
During the operation, the company’s director was arrested, and tractors and excavators used in the illegal activities were impounded.
NEMA is now enforcing restoration of the degraded wetland, closure of illegal channels, and compliance with environmental impact assessment requirements, alongside strengthened monitoring to protect the ecosystem.
