NEMA Seizes Trucks, Destroys Boats in Lwera Sand Mining Crackdown

The National Environment Management Authority has intensified enforcement against illegal sand mining in the Lwera wetlands, impounding trucks, destroying boats and arresting suspects in a coordinated multi-agency operation.

The two-day crackdown, which ended on April 15, targeted Gwanira Village in Mpigi District and Kamuwunga Village in Kalungu District, where authorities said illegal sand extraction was taking place in violation of environmental laws.

NEMA carried out the operation alongside the Ministry of Water and Environment, theEnvironmental Protection Police Unit and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.

Authorities impounded eight Sino trucks allegedly used to transport illegally mined sand, which are now held at Lubigi Police Station. In Kalungu, enforcement teams destroyed 50 boats used in illegal extraction along the Kampala–Masaka Highway corridor, while six suspects were arrested and detained

About 50 spades used in the extraction process were also confiscated, and investigators gathered GPS coordinates and photographic evidence to support prosecution.

Investigations found that sand mining was being conducted without the required approvals from NEMA. Officials said operators in Mpigi were extracting sand on dry land without authorization, while in Kalungu mining took place along wetlands using boats and manual tools.

According to NEMA, the activities pose serious environmental risks including land degradation, ecosystem destruction and possible damage to infrastructure.

The authority said it will pursue legal action, including prosecution, fines and restoration orders to rehabilitate degraded sites.

Speaking on the operation, Naomi Karekaho, Head of Corporate Communications at NEMA, said the crackdown is part of sustained efforts to protect fragile ecosystems.

“We are committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring that those degrading our wetlands are held accountable,” Karekaho said.

She added that similar enforcement operations will continue in other identified hotspot areas as the authority steps up protection of Uganda’s natural resources.