Authorities have arrested the director of Great River Technologies Limited following a crackdown on illegal activities in a protected wetland in Bulambuli District.
The arrest, carried out by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), stems from an enforcement operation targeting unlawful farming in the Ngenge Atari–Sipi Sironko Wetland System.
According to NEMA, the company had established large-scale rice and chilli plantations deep within the protected ecosystem, in clear violation of environmental regulations.
Preliminary findings from the operation reveal widespread environmental damage. Investigators discovered more than 15 kilometres of illegally excavated diversion channels, alongside the unlawful redirection of River Sironko.
The destruction is estimated to have affected nearly 2,000 acres of wetland, raising concerns over the long-term ecological impact on the area.
NEMA officials say the enforcement action is part of a broader effort to crack down on encroachment and restore fragile ecosystems under threat from commercial exploitation.
According to the authority, the activities including illegal farming, channel excavation, and the diversion of River Sironko—have caused significant damage to the wetland ecosystem, threatening biodiversity and water flow patterns in the area.
During the enforcement operation, authorities impounded tractors and excavators belonging to the company as part of efforts to immediately halt the ongoing destruction.
Officials confirmed that the company director remains in custody as investigations continue, with possible charges related to environmental degradation and illegal use of protected land.
Meanwhile, NEMA has commenced restoration efforts within the affected wetland, including the closure of illegal water channels and rehabilitation of degraded sections, as part of broader measures to safeguard the environment from further harm.
