MPs fault NEMA for failing to protect wetlands

Members of Parliament have criticised National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for failing to protect wetlands in Uganda from foreign and local investors who have taken them over to mine sand. 

While discussing the report on sand mining in wetlands that was presented before the house by the natural resources committee, the MPs noted that NEMA has failed to fulfil its responsibility and many called for it to be censured.

The Legislators further faulted ministers in charge of the environment, water and mining for failing to bring an end to this act which they say has destroyed wetlands in the country. 

The Minister of Water Sam Cheptoris in response tried to assure the legislators that government was going to take action on the report and ensure that sand mining is brought to an end.

"This report has opened our eyes to some of the problems that exist in sand mining and others as I have said before, as a ministry we want to stop all sand mining until some of these issues have been handled" Cheptoris said.