KAMPALA UGANDA: 16 April 2026– In a major crackdown against environmental degradation, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has intensified its enforcement against illegal sand mining in the Lwera wetland system. A decisive two-day operation, which concluded on Wednesday, April 15, resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of heavy machinery and equipment.
The crackdown targeted specific sites in Gwanira Village (Mpigi District) and Kamuwunga Village (Kalungu District). The operation was a collaborative effort involving NEMA’s Environment Protection Force (EPF), the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Environmental Protection Police Unit, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The multi-agency team dismantled illegal operations across both districts, leading to significant impoundment of Vehicles: Eight (8) Sino trucks used for transporting sand were impounded and are currently held at Lubigi Police Station.
Marine Equipment: In Kalungu, fifty (50) boats used for illegal extraction were seized and destroyed on-site, and Arrests: Six (6) suspects were taken into custody and are being held at Lubigi Police Station to assist with ongoing investigations.
Tools: Approximately fifty (50) manual spades used in the extraction process were recovered.
Investigations confirmed that the mining activities were being conducted without the required approvals from NEMA. In Mpigi, operators were found extracting sand on dry land without authorization. In Kalungu, the operations were more brazen, utilizing boats and manual tools along the Kampala–Masaka Highway.
NEMA officials warned that these activities pose “serious environmental risks,” including: Severe land degradation, Destruction of fragile ecosystems, and Potential structural damage to critical infrastructure.
Legal Consequences
NEMA has announced that it will institute legal proceedings against the responsible developers. Penalties will include criminal prosecution and administrative fines. Furthermore, restoration orders will be issued to ensure the developers bear the cost of rehabilitating the damaged landscape.
”NEMA reiterates its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and safeguarding Uganda’s natural resources,” the authority stated in an official release.
The public is encouraged to report illegal environmental activities via NEMA’s official channels as the authority continues its surveillance of the Lwera region.