By Our Reporter
NAMUTUMBA
The National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has halted illegal sand mining in Matyama Village, Namutumba District.
The operation that was undertaken on Wednesday, 4th February, 2026 was spearheaded by NEMA’s Mbale Regional Office.
According to a NEMA statement issued on Thursday, February 5, 2026, two trucks were impounded including UA 24Q Blue Mini Sino Truck and UA 44X Isuzu Forward.
The two trucks were impounded and taken to Namutumba Police Station where a Case file was opened and drivers’ statements recorded.
“Extracting sand, murram or clay (2–5m³/day) requires a license, permit or ESIA certificate,” says NEMA adding that interested persons should visit their nearest NEMA offices for guidance on permits, licences and ESIA.
ESIA is Environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) which is primarily an instrument to predict projects’ potential adverse environmental and social impacts in order to maximise benefits and minimise such adverse impacts.
