The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), working with Mubende Municipal Council, has secured the conviction of Wilson Ntumwa for degrading the Muzizi Wetland System in Mubende Municipality.
The Standards, Utilities and Wildife Court in Makindye sentenced Ntumwa to twc years’ imprisonment for introducing alien plants into the Muzizi Wetland System ir Mubende Municipality and ordered him to vacate and restore the wetland.
Delivering the sentence Wednesday, 30th September 2026, His Worship Geoffrey Akena also imposed a UGX 2 million fine, or two years’ imprisonment in default, for disturbing the wetland hrough tunnelling The custodial sentences will rn concurrently, with time spent on remand deducted.
Court further ordered Ntumwa to vacate the wetland within three months O sentencing and restore it to its original state under the supervision of NEMA and the Mubende District Environment Officer neni
Inspections by Mubende Municipal Council established that Ntumwa had cleared papyrus and other wetland vegetation, opened large drainage channels and cultivated maize, bananas and eucalyptus trees. He was arrested on 28th August 2026. NEMA urges the public to stop wetland encroachment and comply with restoratior orders. Protecting wetlands safeguards water resources, biodiversity and communit livelihoods.
