Five individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement for allegedly organizing an unauthorized demonstration regarding issues related to the Lwera wetland.
The police intercepted the group at approximately 10:00am today, October 10, 2024, near Kitgum House at the Jinja Road Traffic Lights.
The group, which included three women and two men, carried placards and banners urging action to protect the Lwera Wetland from Chinese exploitation.
The detained individuals are Raymond Bintukwanga, 24, an automotive mechanic; Hannington Ahimbisibwe, 25, a shopkeeper; Nuluyart Nakyejwe, 23, a hairstylist; Phiona Nalusiba, 40, a banana vendor; and Proscovia Nampijja, 30, a restaurateur.
Patrick Onyango, the spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, stated that they were arrested and charged with being a common nuisance.
“They are currently being held at Kampala Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court today. Investigations are ongoing,” he noted.
Situated about 20kms from Mpigi along the Kampala-Masaka highway, Lwera wetland had a stunning natural beauty and ecological significance.
Regrettably, this area has experienced significant degradation, primarily due to activities of sand miners and extensive Chinese rice cultivation.
Environmental advocates have over time raised alarms over the ecological consequences of sand mining and rice farming in the wetland area.
