The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has halted illegal dredger fabrication and sand mining activities in Kawumba A Cell, Buwama Sub-county, Mpigi District, following a coordinated enforcement operation on Wednesday.
Authorities confirmed the arrest of two suspects who were found at the site during the crackdown. They are currently detained at Lubigi Police Station, while the alleged mastermind behind the operation remains at large.
NEMA spokesperson William Lubuulwa said the raid was prompted by a formal complaint lodged by the Mpigi District Chief Administrative Officer regarding ongoing illegal extraction activities.
“The operation was a response to the complaint filed about the unlawful activities taking place in the area,” Mr. Lubuulwa explained.
He added that the enforcement was carried out by a multi-agency team comprising the NEMA Environment Protection Force, officials from the Ministry of Water and Environment, the Environment Protection Police Unit, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, and the Mpigi District Natural Resources Officer.
NEMA said investigations are ongoing as authorities pursue the prime suspect and assess the environmental damage caused by the illegal activities.
