NEMA halts illegal dredger fabrication and sand mining in Mpigi, two arrested
NEMA spokesperson, William Lubuulwa, said the intervention followed a formal complaint lodged by the Mpigi District Chief Administrative Officer regarding ongoing illegal activities in the area.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has stopped illegal dredger fabrication and sand mining operations in Kawumba A Cell, Buwama Sub-county, Mpigi District, following an enforcement operation conducted on Wednesday.
According to NEMA, the operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects who were found at the site. The suspects are currently being held at Lubigi Police Station, while the prime suspect fled and is still at large.
NEMA spokesperson, William Lubuulwa, said the intervention followed a formal complaint lodged by the Mpigi District Chief Administrative Officer regarding ongoing illegal activities in the area.
“The multi-agency operation comprised NEMA’s Environment Protection Force, officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Environment Protection Police Unit, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, and the Mpigi District Natural Resources Officer,” Lubuulwa said.
He noted that the enforcement teams are intensifying surveillance to curb illegal sand mining, which continues to pose environmental risks, including land degradation and destruction of natural habitats.
NEMA has urged local communities to report similar activities to help protect environmentally sensitive areas across the country.
