NEMA Cracks Down on Illegal Sand Mining in Lwera Wetland, Arrests 7 Foreign Nationals
Frank Semata 
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has launched a decisive crackdown on illegal sand mining activities in Lwera Wetland, located in Kalungu District, resulting in the arrest of seven foreign nationals.
The operation, conducted along the Kampala-Masaka Road, also saw the seizure of 13 sinotruk lorries and four excavators, along with other equipment used in the illegal mining operations.
Earlier this year, NEMA had suspended all illegal sand mining activities in Lwera during a previous operation, during which miners were instructed to restore the degraded parts of the wetland.
NEMA notes that the ongoing restoration efforts are part of their broader initiative to safeguard Uganda's wetlands and fragile ecosystems.
"We are committed to liberating Uganda’s wetlands from illegal exploitation," read part of statement from NEMA
"These operations are crucial in preserving our natural environment for future generations."
Investigations into the matter are currently underway, and the arrested suspects will face charges in accordance with Ugandan law.
