Six arrested over wetland encroachment
Police in Mbarara city have arrested six people for allegedly encroaching on wetlands.
The suspects were arrested from Kiyanja cell in Mbarara city north division during an operation mounted by a combined team from the office of the Resident city commissioner, environmental police, and the division natural resources office.
The suspects had cleared, burnt grass in the wetlands and planted beans in the children’s park in Kiyanja, while others had erected illegal buildings in Kiyanja cell.
Joseph Asasira, the Mbarara city north division environment officer, said his office was compelled to conduct the operation following the continuous destruction of wetlands.
The Mbarara city north division deputy RCC, Robert Kanusu vowed to arrest everyone found destroying wetlands.
He added that the operations will stretch to the entire division.
The president’s representative also gave a one-month ultimatum to locals operating businesses without places of convenience in the area to immediately vacate or else face arrest.
Kanusu urged residents to respect laws governing wetlands.
