The National Environment Management Authority Uganda (NEMA) has arrested the director of Great River Technologies Limited following an enforcement operation targeting illegal activities in a protected wetland in Bulambuli District.
The company, reportedly engaged in large-scale agricultural operations, is accused of carrying out unlawful rice and chilli farming within the Ngenge–Atari–Sipi Sironko Wetland System.
NEMA said the operation uncovered extensive environmental degradation, including the excavation of more than 15 kilometres of diversion channels and the illegal diversion of River Sironko, affecting approximately 2,000 acres of the wetland.
According to the authority, the activities—illegal farming, channel excavation, and river diversion—have significantly damaged the ecosystem.
During the enforcement exercise, tractors and excavators belonging to the company were impounded as authorities moved to halt the destruction.
Officials confirmed that the arrested director remains in custody as investigations continue. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to restore the wetland and close illegal channels in a bid to protect the environment.
