Crime
NEMA drags illegal sand mining suspect to Court in Kabale
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) arraigned a suspect before the Kabale Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 15th for engaging in unlawful sand mining along the banks of River Kiruruma in Kitumba Village, Kabale Municipality, Kabale District.
The suspect faces charges under Section 157 (a) (i) of the National Environment Act, No.5, 2019, and Regulations 23 and 29 of the National Environment (Wetland, River Banks, and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, 2000 under the case file “Uganda vs Bekunda Dan and others,” as per Kabale CRB: 727/2021.
Bekunda Dan and several others were arrested by NEMA during an operation targeting illegal sand mining in Western Uganda.
NEMA’s field operations team arrested Bekunda, the owner, and Paul Ahumuza, the operator of the wheel loader, who were subsequently charged before the Kabale Magistrate’s Court.
According to a statement from NEMA, efforts are underway by the enforcement team to locate and capture the remaining suspects who are currently evading authorities.
Her Worship Racheal Tabaruka adjourned the matter to September 7th, 2023, for the final ruling.
This follows the conclusion of the evidence presentation by NEMA’s legal team, in collaboration with the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
