KABALE – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Tuesday 15th August, produced a suspect in Kabale Magistrate’s Court for illegally mining sand along River Kiruruma in Kitumba Village, Kabale Municipality in Kabale District.
The suspects were charged contrary to Section 157 (a) (i) of the National Environment Act, No.5, 2019, and Regulation 23 and 29 of the National Environment (Wetland, River banks, and Lake Shores Management) Regulations, 2000.
In the case Uganda vs Bekunda Dan and others vide Kabale CRB: 727/2021, the suspect, a one Bekunda Dan and others were arrested by NEMA for illegally mining sand during the NEMA operation in Western Uganda.
A field operations team from NEMA arrested and charged Dan Bekunda, the proprietor alongside Paul Ahumuza, the operator of the wheel loader, before Kabale Magistrate’s Court.
Other suspects are still at large and are being hunted by NEMA enforcement team, according to the national environment watchman.
Her Worship Racheal Tabaruka has since adjourned the matter to 7th September 2023 for a final ruling following the conclusion of adducing of evidence by the NEMA legal team working with the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
