NEMA Cracks Down on Illegal Sand Mining, Impounds Trucks and Boats

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), through its Environment Protection Force (EPF) and in coordination with the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Environmental Protection Police Unit, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has conducted a multi-agency enforcement operation targeting illegal sand mining activities in Mpigi District and Kalungu District.

The two-day operation, which concluded on Wednesday, 15th April, focused on Gwanira Village in Mpigi District and Kamuwunga Village in Kalungu District, where illegal sand extraction was ongoing in violation of environmental laws.

According to Naomi N. Karekaho, Head of Corporate Communications at NEMA, eight Sino trucks used for transporting illegally mined sand were impounded and are currently being held at Lubigi Police Station.

At the Kalungu site, 50 boats used in illegal sand mining were impounded and destroyed on-site. Six suspects were arrested and are currently detained at Lubigi Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations. In addition, approximately 50 spades used in sand extraction were seized across both locations. Enforcement teams also gathered key evidence, including GPS coordinates and photographic documentation, to support prosecution.

Karekaho noted that investigations confirmed that sand mining at both sites was being conducted without the required approvals from NEMA. In Mpigi, operators were extracting sand on dry land without authorisation, while in Kalungu, illegal activities were taking place along the Kampala–Masaka Highway using boats and manual tools. These activities pose significant environmental risks, including land degradation, ecosystem destruction, and potential damage to infrastructure.

NEMA said it will institute legal proceedings against the responsible developers, including prosecution and administrative fines in accordance with the law. Restoration orders will also be issued to ensure rehabilitation of the affected areas.

The Authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources.