Kampala, Uganda – Two suspects, Kerim Ray, the director of Turkish company Yaman Construction Ltd, and Eric Avunalo, the manager of Rockbuild Ltd, were remanded to Luzira Prison yesterday until July 15th for illegally degrading Lwajjali Wetland in Mukono District.
The duo, who pleaded guilty to violating Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) conditions before the chief magistrates standards, utilities and Wildlife court in Makindye, were arrested on June 30th for backfilling the wetland in Gongobe Village, Goma Division.
Kerim Ray, whose company Yaman Construction Ltd was issued an ESIA certificate for concrete manufacturing, and Eric Avunalo, who was responsible for site clearing, face charges of depositing material into the wetland, contrary to the National Environment Act No. 5 of 2019.
The court’s decision to remand the suspects to prison signals a strong stance against environmental offenders and serves as a warning to those who would harm Uganda’s natural resources.
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has hailed the court’s decision as a significant milestone in the fight against environmental degradation.
