By Ezaruku Draku Franklin

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), has dragged to court, a suspect in Kabale town accused of illegal sand mining along River Kiruruma in Kitumba Village, Kabale Municipality in Kabale District.

The suspect dan Bekunda was charged of illegal sand mining, 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.

Government in 2018 approved a new mining policy, placing Uganda’s sand, murrum, granites and stones under the mineral sector, ending centuries of unregulated mining of the said products.

In a decision that is likely to have huge impact on the construction industry, the cabinet decided that for one to mine sand and other associated products, a license has to be issued by the line minister and that should such entity violate the terms in the license, punitive measures will be instituted against such a person or entity.

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 of sand during the NEMA operation in Western Uganda.

A field operations team from NEMA arrested and charged Bekunda Dan 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.

Her Worship Racheal Tabaruka has adjourned the matter to 7 September, 2023 for final ruling following conclusion of adducing of evidence by the NEMA legal team working with the Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

A statement issued by the authority says “NEMA remains resolute in ensuring sustainable development through coordinating, monitoring, regulating and supervising all activities in the field of environment.”