Environment
NEMA Busts Illegal Sand Miners in Lwera Wetland, Arrests Seven Foreign Nationals
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has apprehended seven foreign nationals linked to illegal sand mining in Lwera Wetland, situated in Kalungu District.
NEMA also seized 13 sinotruk lorries and four excavators, along with other equipment during a night-time operation along Kampala-Masaka Road.
![](https://theugpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2.jpeg)
William Lubuulwa, the senior Public Relations Officer, informed the media that NEMA had previously halted all illicit sand mining activities in Lwera during an earlier operation in April this year. The miners involved were instructed to restore the degraded part of the wetland.
The restoration initiative is part of NEMA’s efforts to safeguard Uganda’s wetlands and other vulnerable ecosystems, part of ongoing operations nationwide.
![](https://theugpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/3.jpeg)
Lubuulwa added that investigations into the case are nearing completion and that charges will be filed against the suspects as per legal procedures.
In Uganda, wetland degradation is a punishable offense under Section 55 of the National Environment Act, Cap 181, carrying penalties of fines up to UGX 600 million or imprisonment for up to 12 years, or both.
![](https://theugpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/4.jpeg)
![](https://theugpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/site_logo_1-2.jpg)