By Madinah Tebajjukira
and Emmy Olaki

THE three main telecommunications companies have built 743 masts without the approval of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

NEMA executive director Dr. Aryamanya Mugisha yesterday told MPs on the technology committee that only 25 MTN masts were approved, 30 for Celtel, 29 Warid and one for Uganda Telecom.

“According to information I have, MTN alone has 450 masts. Now you are telling us that only 25 masts were approved by NEMA.

“Does that mean the rest are illegal?” committee chairman, Edward Baliddawa asked.

Aryamanya, who was appearing with other officials, to respond to petitions on the increased number of masts, answered: “Chairman, I don’t know. I need to first verify that information.”
Aryamanya, however, said there were serious concerns over Warid masts at base stations, which pollute the environment with excessive noise.

“We have had to block some of the masts causing problems. People are worried by the way Warid is working.”
Mugisha said erecting many masts in one place destroyed its physical beauty.

He revealed that discussions were going on with the communications commission to compel companies to use a single mast in a given area.

The environment chief also told MPs that Uganda lacked a physical plan on what should be built in various places and said NEMA was carrying out an audit of the masts to update its records.
He also dismissed claims that masts were a health hazard.

“The masts emit radiation, but the amount of radiation from cell phones is even more dangerous.

“Studies done in different countries have proved that masts do not cause cancer.”

Arnold Waiswa Ayazika, the NEMA environment assessment coordinator, said Celtel had 318 unapproved masts.
Ben Njiku, the head of physics department at Kyambogo University, attributed increased cases of lightning to the increase in masts.

However, Yesse Oenga, the chief executive of Celtel Uganda, denied the NEMA allegations, saying the companies are required by law to get approval before erecting masts.

“All our masts have either NEMA approval or that of a district environment officer.”

He said his company would soon embark on a joint national audit of masts with NEMA.

“The reason for this exercise is to address any concerns if they arise.”
Oenga wondered how NEMA could turn around yet during a recent public hearing, it had cleared Celtel, which was seeking to renew its licence.

“We want to protect the environment because that is what makes us and future generations healthy. We don’t put up any masts without approval.”

MTN officials said they were only required to do an environmental impact assessment of sites in bio-diverse areas such as swamps, national parks and residential areas.

“This, we have been doing diligently,” said Isaac Nsereko, the head of marketing.