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A proprietor of Blood of Jesus Ministries International was on April 30, 2024, charged before the Buganda Road Court for allegedly pouring murram in a wetland in Mukono district.

Simon Muzaale, who also describes himself as a businessman, was charged with erecting a perimeter wall fence in a wetland, contrary to section 55 (1) (b) and 6 of the National Environment Act and depositing marram in a wetland, contrary to section 55 (1) (d) and 6 of the same Act.

He is also battling charges of failure to comply with an environment restoration order, contrary to section 164 of the same act. The offences attract a maximum sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment on conviction.

Muzaale, 44, a resident of Namanve Akright Estates, Nantabulirirwa parish, Goma Division, Mukono district, appeared before Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu and denied the charges.

According to court documents, Muzaale’s church is situated in Lwajale wetland opposite Seeta High.

A State Attorney from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), Judith Nyamwiza informed the court that investigations in the matter are complete and asked the court to fix a hearing date. She was assisted by Carol Omoro, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) legal officer.

However, the magistrate released the accused on a cash bail of sh2m on grounds that his sureties are substantial. His sureties, who include two pastors and his wife, Florence Muzaale, were each directed to execute a non-cash bond of sh100m.

“The offence the accused is battling is bailable by the court and he has sureties, who will ensure that he returns to the court, whenever required,” Kamasanyu ruled.

She ordered that the national identity card of the accused person remains with the court until the case is determined and disposed of.

Prior to the bail ruling, State Attorney Nyamwiza had asked the court not to grant the businessman bail on grounds that the LC letter he presented in court did not show his place of residence and that he had never reported back to the Police ever since he was released on bond.

“The accused will abscond trial and this will frustrate the hearing of the case,” she said.

The court also heard that the businessman has also since filed a case at the Civil Division of the High Court, seeking orders stopping NEMA orders.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that the accused on November 29, 2023, at Gongobe village, Seeta Parish, Goma Division, failed to comply with an environmental restoration order dated November 1, 2023.

Prosecution also alleges that the accused on October 21, 2023, in the same place and area, erected a perimeter wall fence in Lwajjali wetland system without approval from NEMA.

It is further said that the accused deposited marram into a section of Lwajjali wetland without approval from NEMA.

According to sources, the church, which sits on nearly three acres of wetland, has been demolished.

The case was adjourned to June 18, 2024, for hearing.