Sand miners at their game
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal sand mining in Lwera, carrying out a two-day multi-agency operation that led to the arrest of six suspects and the impounding of trucks, boats, and tools used in the activity.
The operation, which ended on Wednesday, targeted Gwanira Village in Mpigi District and Kamuwunga Village in Kalungu District, where illegal sand extraction was reportedly taking place.
According to NEMA, eight Sino trucks used to transport illegally mined sand were impounded and taken to Lubigi Police Station. At the Kalungu site, 50 boats used in the mining activities were seized and destroyed on the spot. Authorities also confiscated about 50 spades from the two locations.
“Six suspects were arrested and are currently detained at Lubigi Police Station to support ongoing investigations,” NEMA said in a statement.
Investigations by the enforcement teams confirmed that the sand mining was being carried out without the required approvals from NEMA.
In Mpigi, miners were found extracting sand on dry land without authorization, while in Kalungu, the illegal activity was taking place along the Kampala–Masaka Highway using boats and manual tools.
NEMA warned that such activities pose serious environmental dangers, including land degradation, destruction of ecosystems, and possible damage to nearby infrastructure.
“These activities pose serious environmental risks, including land degradation, ecosystem destruction, and potential damage to infrastructure,” the authority noted.
The environmental body said legal proceedings will be launched against the developers behind the illegal mining, adding that administrative fines and restoration orders will also be issued to ensure the damaged areas are rehabilitated.
NEMA further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural resources and enforcing environmental laws across the country.
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